Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Keystone Law Limited

21 May 2024

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Keystone Law Limited.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent falsely purporting to be from 'Angela Message' and 'Robert Sutherland' of Keystone Law Limited. The emails attached false invoices with incorrect bank account details and asked the recipient to make a payment.

The emails were sent using the email domain of 'angela.message@keystonlaw.co.uk' (note the missing 'e').

The emails misuse the name, address and contact details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the email address of 'angela.message@keystonlaw.co.uk' and email domain of '@keystonlaw.co.uk' (with the missing 'e') are not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Keystone Law Limited, whose head office is at 48 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1JF. The firm's telephone number is 020 3319 3700. The genuine firm's email domain is @keystonelaw.co.uk.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Robert Sutherland who is employed by the firm. The genuine firm also employs a genuine individual called Angela Message.

The genuine firm Keystone Law Limited has confirmed that neither it, nor Robert Sutherland or Angela Message 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.