Alerts
Warning: Email misusing the name of Hogan Lovells International LLP
30 January 2025
An email has been sent misusing the name of Hogan Lovells International LLP, regarding a copyright matter.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The email seen by the SRA advises the recipient that copyrighted work supposedly belonging to a client of the firm is being copied and distributed without authorisation on the recipient’s social media account. The recipient is advised to appear before court within 7 days.
The email was sent from the email address ‘sfusesoves1979@gmail.com’ and misuses the branch office address of the genuine firm (see below).
Any business or transaction through the email address ‘sfusesoves1979@gmail.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 Hogan Lovells International LLP. The email domain used by the firm is @hoganlovells.com. The firm has a branch office in Germany and its address is Große Gallusstrasse 18, Frankfurt am Main, 60312. The branch office telephone number is +49 69 962 360.
Hogan Lovells International 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.