Regulator flags cloned emails exploiting real solicitors and firm details
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a public warning about fraudulent emails misusing the identities of two genuine solicitors in connection with a purported trademark application.
The emails claim to be from “Olivia Natalie Roffey” and “Patricia Dorothy Eade” at “MRI Legal”. They inform recipients that a competing company has initiated a trademark filing with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to register the same name and invite the recipient to secure trademark registration urgently. The messages encourage a response within 24 hours.
According to the alert, the emails were sent from the addresses olivia@notice.mrilegal.co.uk and patricia@notice.mrilegal.co.uk. They reference the website mrilegal.co.uk and provide the telephone number 44 1225535127.
The SRA states that any business or transaction conducted through those contact details is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the regulator.
The SRA confirms that it regulates genuine solicitors named Olivia Natalie Roffey (SRA ID 7049963) and Patricia Dorothy Eade (SRA ID 81821). Both have confirmed that they have no connection with the emails, the email addresses, or the website referenced in the alert. They are not employed by MRI Legal Ltd.
The regulator also confirms that it authorises a genuine firm, MRI Legal Ltd (SRA ID 636150). The genuine firm’s contact number is 01277 390 000, and it uses the email domain @legalmri.com. The firm has confirmed that it does not currently operate a website and has no connection with the communications described in the warning.
The SRA advises members of the public to exercise due diligence where a firm’s or an individual’s identity appears to have been cloned. Anyone receiving correspondence claiming to be from the named individuals or firm should independently verify its authenticity using reliable and established contact details.
Consumers can check whether a solicitor or firm is authorised and regulated by consulting the SRA’s official records and verifying practising details. Additional checks, such as reviewing public directories or company records, may also be appropriate depending on the circumstances.
The regulator’s alert underscores the continuing risk of identity-based scams targeting businesses through the misuse of genuine legal professionals’ credentials.