Alerts

Warning: Phishing emails falsely claiming to be from GD Legal Solicitors Ltd

24 August 2023

The SRA have been informed that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from GD Legal Solicitors Ltd with a request to transfer money.

What is the scam?

The SRA understands that one of the email accounts of GD Legal Solicitors Ltd was subjected to a phishing attack and became compromised. The SRA has been informed that subsequently emails were sent on 10 August 2023 falsely claiming to be from GD Legal Solicitors Ltd with a request to transfer money.

The SRA understands that the emails requested funds and provided details of a false bank account with no genuine connection to GD Legal Solicitors Ltd.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called GD Legal Solicitors Ltd. Its head office address is Lowry Mill, Lees Street, Pendlebury, Swinton, Manchester, M27 6DB and its telephone number is 01617101786. All emails from the genuine firm use the domain name '@gdlegal.co.uk', but if you have any concerns about emails received from the firm you should contact it directly. Its genuine website is ‘www.gdlegal.co.uk’.

The genuine firm of GD Legal Solicitors Ltd has confirmed that it does not have any genuine and intended connection to the scam referred to above.

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.