Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Patrick Delas and Russell-Cooke LLP

14 October 2025

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Patrick Delas and Russell-Cooke LLP in relation to the transfer of funds.

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 transfer of funds.

The SRA understands that the emails have been sent from the email address 'patrick.delas@russellcooke-law.com', with a subject heading of: 'Action Required: Initial Deposit Payment Due Today' with an invoice included as an attachment. The email informs the recipients to wire transfer the payment to the bank details provided in the invoice and to send the confirmation via WhatsApp. The emails also provide a contact number of '+44 7480 498891'.

Any business or transaction through the above contact details 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 called 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 Patrick Delas (SRA ID 399162) who is employed at Russell-Cooke LLP.

The genuine firm and the genuine Patrick Delas 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.