Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Baker & McKenzie LLP

9 January 2025

An email has been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm.

What is the scam?

An email has been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The email is entitled 'Copyright Violation Notification' and alleges that the recipient has used music works without authorisation.

The email seen by the SRA has been sent from the email address 'ysharonjc587@gmail.com' and advises the recipient to take certain specified actions within 7 days of the notice. A document titled 'Copyright Infringement Evidence - Images and Videos' has been attached to the email. A concern is that the PDF document may contain malware.

The recipient is advised to address the matter promptly and respond to the email address 'info@bakermckenzie.com' or by telephone (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'ysharonjc587@gmail.com' and 'info@bakermckenzie.com' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Baker & Mckenzie LLP. The firm's head office email address is london.info@bakermckenzie.com and its contact number is 020 7919 1000.

Baker & Mckenzie LLP has confirmed that it has no connection to the email 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.