Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors)

25 February 2025

An email has been sent misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors).

What is the scam?

An email has been sent purporting to be from the 'Financial Conduct Authority' as a dedicated department at a genuine firm of solicitors has been appointed in relation to verifying the recipient identity. The subject matter states it is in relation to a 'Recovery process'.

The email was sent using the email address 'solicitorsystem@protonmail.com'.

The emails misuse the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the above email address of 'solicitorsystem@protonmail.com' 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 Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited trading as CEL Solicitors. The firm's email domain ends with @celsolicitors.co.uk and the website address is www.celsolicitors.co.uk.

Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited has confirmed that they do not have any 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.