Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Akal Solicitors

22 April 2021

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Akal Solicitors in respect of a loan approval.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that firms have received emails falsely claiming to be from Gurmail Gill of Akal Solicitors, in respect of a loan approval.

The emails seen by the SRA have been sent from the email address 'gurmail@akalsolicitors.co.uk' and provide the telephone numbers '+447310811610'and '+447405160060'.  We have been informed that the email addresses 'gurmail.gill@akalsoclicitors.co.uk' and 'gurmail@akalsolicitor.co.uk' have also been used, as well as the telephone number '07543 175942'.  

None of the above are the contact details of the genuine solicitor (see below). 

The emails also misuse the office address of a genuine firm of solicitors and the SRA number of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Update 3 September 2021

The SRA has been informed that a firm of solicitors has received emails falsely claiming to be from Gurmail Gill of Akal Solicitors, purportedly representing two clients in the acquisition of a bridging loan.

The emails seen by the SRA were sent from the email address 'gurmail@akalsolicitors.co.uk' and provide the telephone number '447310811610'.

None of the above are the contact details of the genuine solicitor (see below). 

The emails also misuse the office address of a genuine firm of solicitors and the SRA number of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

Akal Solicitors is a genuine law firm authorised and regulated by the SRA. The firm’s office address is Olympic House, 28-42 Clements Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1BA and its general email address is 'akal_solicitors@btconnect.com”.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Gurmail Gill (SRA ID: 333049), who works for Akal Solicitors.  The genuine email address for Gurmail Gill is 'gurmail.gill@akalsolicitors.com”. The genuine telephone number for Gurmail Gill is '07786 172256”. 

The genuine firm have confirmed that they have no 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.