Alerts

Warning: Instagram account misusing the name and photograph of Amy Barnard

4 August 2026

An Instagram account has been created misusing the name and photograph of Amy Barnard.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an Instagram account has been created with the username @amybarnaard purporting to be a genuine solicitor (see details below). The account misuses the name and photograph of the genuine solicitor.

Any business or transactions through the Instagram account @amybarnaard is 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 solicitor Amy Barnard (SRA number 7018906).

Amy Barnard has confirmed that they do not have any connection with the Instagram account mentioned in the alert above.

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.