Alerts

Warning: Documents misusing the name of Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP

17 July 2024

Documents have been sent misusing the name and address of Blackett Hart & Pratt LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that documents have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Lauren Diaz Esq', 'an Attorney of Law' of BHP Law.

The document seen by the SRA asks the recipient to make a payment in relation to an agreement. The document misuses the name of the genuine firm (see below), and it's logo and office address.

The SRA have also been informed that members of the public received emails from an individual falsely claiming to be 'laurendiaz.law.europe.com'

Any business or transaction through the individual called ‘Lauren Diaz, an Attorney of Law' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called trading as BHP Solicitors. The genuine firm has an office at Suite 307, Collingwood Buildings, 38 Collingwood Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1JF. The firm's genuine email is '@bhplaw.co.uk'

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Lauren Jordan and is employed at the genuine firm.

The genuine firm of Blackett Hart & Pratt Solicitors LLP have confirmed that neither it nor the genuine solicitor has any connection to the documents referred to in the above alert.

What should I do?

When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.