Alerts
Warning: Email misusing the name of Gavin Spruin and Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors)
5 September 2024
An email has been sent claiming to be from Gavin Spruin of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors) in relation to in relation to Bitcoin Blockchain transaction.
What is the scam?
An email has been sent from an individual claiming to a 'Cyber Security Solicitor' misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below) in relation to in relation to Bitcoin Blockchain transaction.
The email was sent using an email address of 'garvin.spruin_cel@outlook.com' and provides a telephone number of '44 7529441215'.
The email misuses the name, address and website address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
Any business or transactions through 'garvin.spruin_cel@outlook.com' or the telephone number '44 7529441215' 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 Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited trading as CEL Solicitors based at 12th Floor 20 Chapel Street Liverpool L3 9AG. The telephone number is 0151 909 8212. The website is www.celsolicitors.co.uk and the email domain ends with @celsolicitors.co.uk.
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Gavin Spruin who is employed at Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited.
Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited and Gavin Spruin have confirmed that they do not have any connection with 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.
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