Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Barcan+Kirby

28 November 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Barcan+Kirby in relation to a conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Alice Owen' at Barcan+Kirby. The emails asked recipients to make a payment to a third party in relation to their conveyancing matter.

The emails seen by the SRA were sent from the email address of 'a.owen@barcanikirby.co.uk' and provided bank details that was not associated to the genuine firm of solicitors (please see below).

Any business or transactions through 'a.owen@barcanikirby.co.uk' 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 Barcan+Kirby LLP and uses the trading name of Barcan+Kirby. The firms email domain is '@barcankirby.co.uk' (please note that there is no 'i'). The genuine firm of solicitors confirmed that is not connected to the email address or to the bank details referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Alice Owen and is a non-practising solicitor, it is believed that she is not connected to the email address 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.