Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Michael Stacey and Russell-Cooke LLP

8 September 2025

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Michael Stacey and Russell-Cooke LLP in relation to a supposed acquisition and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor at a genuine firm (see below for details of the genuine firm and individual) in relation to a supposed acquisition and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

The emails were sent from the email address 'michael.stacey@russellcooke-partner.com' and provides a link to a website at russellcooke-partner.com and contact numbers of 0412214034 and +44 (0)74 7301 6355. The emails also provide a postal address of 8 Bedford Row, London, England, WC1R 4BX (see below)

Any business or transaction through the above contact details or website 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 genuine firm of solicitors Russell-Cooke LLP (SRA ID 465322). The genuine firm uses the email domain @russell-cooke.co.uk and the genuine firm's website is www.russell-cooke.co.uk. Its head office is 8 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4BX and contact number is 020 7405 6566.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Michael Stacey (SRA ID 513306) who is a Partner at Russell-Cooke LLP.

The genuine firm and the genuine Michael Stacey have confirmed they have no connection to the emails referred to in the alert above.

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.