Alerts

Warning: Website for 'Law firm International' claiming to be solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA

4 May 2023

The website 'www.lawfirm-international.com' is falsely claiming to be for a law firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

What is the scam?

The website 'www.lawfirm-international.com' is falsely claiming to be for a law firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

The website misuses content from the genuine website for a firm of solicitors regulated by the SRA (see below).

The website seen by the SRA provides contact details for an address in Bolton and a telephone number / WhatsApp number of +441852375151. It also falsely claims to have the SRA identification number 720542 and also falsely uses the SRA digital badge.

The website misuses the name and picture of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transaction through a firm called 'Law Firm International' and the contact details listed above is not undertaken by a solicitors' practice authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Cousins Business Law. Its genuine SRA ID is 485128, its head office address is 30 Milner Way, Birmingham, B13 0BB, and its genuine website is www.business-lawfirm.co.uk. Gary Cousins is a solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Gary Cousins have any genuine or intended connection to the website 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.