Alerts

Warning: Website for 'Rechtssitz Law Group' misusing the name of Ashton Legal LLP

2 August 2023

The website 'https://rechtssitz.de/' is operating claiming to be a law firm linked to Ashton Legal LLP.

What is the scam?

The website 'https://rechtssitz.de/ is operating claiming to be for a law firm called 'Rechtssitz Law Group'.  .

The website seen by the SRA provides an email address of 'support@rechtssitz.de' and misuses the name and branch address of a genuine firm of solicitors and a photograph of the genuine firm's office (see below).

The website claims that the Law Group 'assists in recouping money lost as a result of cyber fraud'. The SRA understands that two members of the public have been contacted by this company offering its services to assist with cryptocurrency scams.

The SRA has been advised there was a previous website which used the address https://rechtssitz.com/. This website is no longer active.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Rechtssitz Law Group'.

Any business or transaction through a firm called 'Rechtssitz Law Group', the above website 'https://rechtssitz.de/ and email 'support@rechtssitz.de' 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 Ashton Legal LLP. The genuine firm’s branch office address is at Trafalgar House, Meridian Way, Norwich, NR7 0TA. The genuine website for the firm is at https://www.ashtonslegal.co.uk/ and its email domain ends with @ashtonslegal.co.uk.

Ashton Legal LLP has confirmed they do not have any connection to the website 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.