Here is the latest scam alert issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Emails falsely claiming to be from Portner Law Limited
An email has been sent to a client of Portner Law Limited claiming to be from “Sara Gerrard”, providing false bank account details.
The email came from the slightly different address of SG@potrner.co.uk”, where the genuine firm uses the address “portner.co.uk”.
The SRA does authorise and regulate a genuine firm of solicitors called Portner Law Limited as well as a a genuine solicitor called Sara Gerrard who is a solicitor at the genuine firm.
Both Ms Gerrard and Portner Law Limited have confirmed they have no connection to the scam email.
What to do
The SRA say 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.
