Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Paul Crumplin

20 November 2024

Emails have been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of Paul Crumplin in relation to a supposed inheritance matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to a member of the public from someone purporting to be a genuine solicitor of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a supposed inheritance matter.

The emails seen by the SRA advise the recipient that they have been identified as the next of kin and benefactor of a supposed inheritance, as they share the same surname as the deceased. A sum of money was requested to facilitate the transfer of the inheritance.

Emails were sent from the email addresses 'paul.crumplin@legalmanltd.com' and ‘paul.crumplin@hotmail.com'. The emails included various attachments including letters of guarantee, invoices and an affidavit using a letterhead entitled ‘Legalman Limited'.

Any business or transaction through these email addresses is not undertaken by a genuine firm or solicitor.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Paul Crumplin.

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Legalman Limited. The contact email address for Legalman Limited is paul.crumplin@scwlegal.co.uk.

Paul Crumplin has confirmed that neither he nor Legalman Limited have any connection to the emails 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.