Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Joshua Gardner

17 August 2023

An email has been sent misusing the name of Joshua Gardner.

What is the scam?

An email has been sent falsely claiming to be from Joshua Gardner. The email seen by the SRA used the email address 'contact@an3d.fr' purporting to be sent from 'Joshua Gardner' in relation to a query about the bank balance. Upon clicking reply the recipient is directed to the email address 'Joshua.Gardner@iln.bio'.

The email misuses the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transaction through 'contact@an3d.fr' and 'Joshua.Gardner@iln.bio' is 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 solicitor called Joshua Gardner whose SRA ID is 635288. The genuine email address is jg@busbyslaw.co.uk.

The genuine solicitor Joshua Gardner has confirmed that he does 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.