Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Acuity Law Limited

25 June 2023

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Acuity Law Limited in relation to a supposed draft contract.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent claiming to be from an individual called 'Gareth Baker' claiming to be a partner at a genuine firm of solicitors.

The emails seen by the SRA were sent from the email address 'gareth.baker@accuitylaw.com' and provides a telephone number of '+44(0)7791 360018'.  (Please note the two 'c's in 'accuity').

The emails state that a supposed 'letter with initial documentation and draft contract' has been attached. The concern is the attachment may contain malware. 

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

Any business or transaction through the telephone number '+44(0)7791 360018' or email address of 'gareth.baker@accuitylaw.com' are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice 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 Acuity Law Limited. The genuine telephone number is 03330163553. The firm's genuine email domain ends with @acuitylaw.com (with only one c).

The SRA authorises and regulates two genuine solicitors called Gareth Baker, one of whom is an employee at Acuity Law Limited.

The genuine Acuity Law Limited and the genuine Gareth Baker employed at that firm have confirmed they do 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.