Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Joshua Gardner and Busbys Solicitors Limited

15 July 2025

Email has been sent misusing the name of Joshua Gardner and Busbys Solicitors Limited in relation to an alleged copyright infringement.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been notified that an email has been sent from 'tovecodis1971@gmail.com' purporting to be Joshua Gardner of Busbys Solicitors Limited.

The email also provides the telephone number '+44 1288 359 000'.

The email address is fake; however the telephone number is the genuine number of Busbys Solicitors Limited.

Any business or transaction through the email address mentioned above is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Busbys Solicitors Limited (SRA ID 626497) and a genuine solicitor called Joshua Gardner (SRA ID 635288), who is a director at the firm. The firm’s email domain ends with @busbyslaw.co.uk.

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.