Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Lukas Hirst

4 August 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Lukas Hirst in relation to claiming a refund from a bitcoin mining pool investment.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a member of the public has received emails from 'Lukas Hirst' of BTC Mining Pool in relation to a bitcoin mining pool investment. The emails misuse the name and SRA ID of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The emails were sent using an email address of 'lukas.h@solicitorsservices.com'.

Any business or transaction through 'lukas.h@solicitorsservices.com' 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 Lukas Hirst. His SRA ID is 361890.

The genuine Lukas Hirst 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.