Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of 'Goldstones'

19 August 2021

Email misusing the name of 'Goldstones' providing supposed alternative bank details for a payment.

What is the scam?

The SRA understands that an email has been sent falsely claiming to be from “Helen Lowe” of 'Goldstones'

The SRA has been informed that the email provides false bank details for a proposed payment in relation to a property transaction. The SRA has been informed that the email was sent from the email address ‘helen.lowegoldstones.co.uk@outlook.com.’

Any business or transactions through the email address 'helen.lowegoldstones.co.uk@outlook.com' are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or an individual authorised or regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Goldstones Limited, which trades as Goldstones Limited.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Helen Lowe who is employed by Goldstones Limited. Helen Lowe’s genuine email address is helen.lowe@goldstones.co.uk.

The genuine firm Goldstones Limited and the genuine Helen Lowe have confirmed confirms that they do not any genuine connection to the email 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.