Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Longden Walker and Renney (Solicitors) Limited

29 July 2025

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Longden Walker and Renney (Solicitors) Limited in relation to conveyancing transactions.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails ask the recipients to transfer funds for conveyancing transactions to a bank account that does not belong to the firm.

The emails were sent from individuals named 'Rebecca Downey' and 'Jackie Rutherford' using the email addresses  'rdowney@longden.co.uk' and 'jrutherford@longden.co.uk'.

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'rdowney@longden.co.uk' and 'jrutherford@longden.co.uk' are 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 Longden Walker and Renney (Solicitors) Limited. The genuine firm's email domain is @longdens.co.uk.

The genuine firm Longden Walker and Renney (Solicitors) Limited employs individuals named Rebecca Downey and Jackie Rutherford at the firm. The genuine firm has confirmed that it and the genuine individuals  do not 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.