Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Gibson Young Solicitors LLP

3 March 2023

An email has been sent to a member of the public that falsely claims to have connection with Gibson Young Solicitors LLP in relation to a supposed inheritance.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent to a member of the public from an individual called 'Julian Shaw' claiming to be an 'independent researcher' commissioned by 'Gibson Young Solicitors LLP' to trace potential beneficiary to a Will.

The email was sent using an email address of 'julianshaw.searchteam@gmail.com'.

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

Any business or transactions through the email address of 'julianshaw.searchteam@gmail.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 firm of solicitors called Gibson Young Solicitors LLP. The genuine email addresses used by the firm use the domain @gibsonyoungsolicitors.com.

Gibson Young Solicitors LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the email 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.