A scammer has been posing as Linklaters' director of human resources in an attempt to con job seekers out of $1,500, in the latest example of a cyber scam affecting a top law firm.
A report released by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reveals that documentation misusing the 'Linklaters LLP' name is being used to advertise a fake ad to become a “Data entry professional” at the firm.
The fake ad provides the address of the firm's New York office on 1345 Sixth Avenue and claims to be posted by the firm's director of human resources. The ad asks the job seeker to transfer $1,500 to “certified local vendors” in order to receive “home equipment” in advance of starting the role.
A contact name of “Alan Wozniac” is provided, along with fraudulent email addresses and a phone number—[email protected], [email protected], and (919) 351-9918, 919.
The SRA said in a statement that no solicitor by the name Alan Wozniac is authorised by the SRA.
A Linklaters spokesperson said the firm alerted the SRA to this issue as soon as it became aware of it and also alerted clients with a note on its website.
The Magic Circle firm's name, as well as a fake partner, have now been used in three scams this year – also reported by the SRA.
In March, emails were sent impersonating the firm from “[email protected]” and “[email protected],” asking for invoices to be paid into a National Westminster Bank account.
In a similar fraud in February, messages were sent from email addresses ending “@liinklaters.com”, which ask the recipient to resend an invoice and “inform exact amount due for payment”.
The SRA advises anyone who is contacted by the scammers to “conduct your own due diligence” by contacting Linklaters directly, and to contact the SRA to ensure named individuals are regulated by the SRA.
It is the latest example of a top law firm being used in a cyber scam. Earlier this month, the SRA issued a warning after fake emails claiming to be from Michael Bates, the U.K. managing partner of Clifford Chance, were sent to members of the public.
Last year, Herbert Smith Freehills had scam emails falsely attributed to it, claiming to be from London public law head Andrew Lidbetter and regarding a potential claim for the benefit of a “will investment.” And Simmons & Simmons had a similar situation, with emails claiming to be from corporate partner David Parkes that talked of unclaimed inheritance.
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