Scam Alert: Beware of Documents Misusing Solicitors’ Names

Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics, one of the more alarming trends is the impersonation of law firms. By misusing solicitors’ names, logos and letterheads, they give their scams a false seal of legitimacy that can even deceive cautious individuals. At Salehs, we consider it vital to raise awareness of these schemes and equip clients with the tools to recognise and resist them.

How these impersonation scams operate

The trick is fundamentally simple: criminals extract real details from publicly available sources and then clone or forge documentation to mislead victims. For instance, they may draw on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) register, law firm websites or even archived documents to lift names, addresses, contact numbers and even SRA numbers. Armed with that, they produce letters or emails that mimic genuine professional correspondence.

Once victims believe they are dealing with a regulated solicitor, the fraudsters may request payments, sensitive personal data or try to get you to agree to legal terms that were never sought out. As the documents often mirror real formatting, branding and terminology, the ruse can be extraordinarily convincing.

This tactic fits a broader pattern of impersonation fraud, which the UK’s Action Fraud service warns is on the rise. Impersonation fraud includes scenarios where criminals pose as government officials, business executives or legal professionals to exploit trust.

In fact, the SRA actively publishes alerts about “bogus solicitors” or the “cloning” of genuine solicitors. Some recent cases highlight how fraudsters will mimic familiar names or tweak email addresses by a single character to slip past cursory checks.

Recognising warning signs

When you receive unexpected legal correspondence, it’s always wise to scrutinise every detail. While no red flag alone guarantees a scam, the presence of several should raise alarm:

• You receive unsolicited demands or claims you were not expecting.

• The correspondence demands urgent or immediate payment or action.

• The sender’s email address, phone number or letterhead differs subtly from the firm’s known or official details.

• You notice poor grammar, awkward formatting, inconsistent branding or mismatched names.

• You are asked to transfer funds to personal accounts or use unfamiliar payment destinations.

If you identify any of these warning signs, halt immediately. Do not respond to or act on the document until you’ve verified its authenticity through your own means.

How to protect yourself

Although these scams are sophisticated, there are practical steps you can take to safeguard yourself:

1. Verify independently: Don’t rely on the contact details supplied in the correspondence. Instead, check the SRA’s Solicitors Register or the law firm’s verified website to confirm the solicitor’s name, address, and SRA number.

2. Don’t trust the facade: A letterhead, logo or professional presentation doesn’t prove legitimacy - they can all be easily falsified.

3. Use verified contact methods: If in doubt, call the law firm using their publicly listed phone number and ask whether they sent the document.

4. Request proof or references: Ask the solicitor to provide verifiable references or case numbers concerning the matter in question. A legitimate firm should have no difficulty supplying information to reassure you.

5. Resist pressure to act quickly: Many scams rely on urgency to disarm your scepticism. Never feel compelled to transfer funds immediately - take time to ensure certainty.

6. Report suspicious communications: If something seems off, notify both the SRA and Action Fraud. The SRA monitors bogus solicitor activity and publishes scam alerts. Action Fraud, the UK’s national centre for reporting fraud, can investigate and issue you a crime reference number.

By doing this, you not only protect yourself, but help prevent the same scam from targeting others.

Why these scams are growing

Law firms occupy a space of high trust. People assume that legal correspondence involves serious, regulated professionals. That trust is exactly what fraudsters intend to exploit. Advances in digital design, widespread availability of law firm branding and contact data online, accompanied by tools like AI make it easier than ever to replicate authentic-looking documents.

This being said, legal matters often carry urgency and complexity. A letter suggesting an upcoming deadline, a property transaction or a court action can pressure victims to act without pausing to question authenticity.

We also see these scams play out in transactional contexts, such as property conveyancing. A criminal may intercept genuine emails between a buyer and solicitor, then inject a fake invoice or change of bank details to redirect funds. These “payment diversion frauds” are a known and increasing risk.

It’s worth noting that impersonation fraud is not limited to the legal realm. Similar tactics are used in investment, banking and regulatory contexts. For example, cloning scams - where legitimate organisation’s identities are duplicated have surged dramatically.

What to do if you receive suspicious correspondence claiming to be from Salehs

If someone sends you a letter or email purporting to be from Salehs and you are unsure of its authenticity:

• Contact us directly using a phone number or email address you know to be genuine.

• Ask us to confirm whether we issued the communication.

• If we verify it’s fake, we will guide you on next steps and help you ensure no harm is done.

Always remember: it’s far better to double-check than to risk acting on a fraudulent demand.

Final thoughts

Scammers frequently adapt, but so can you. By maintaining a healthy level of scepticism when receiving unexpected legal documents, cross-checking information and reporting anything suspicious, you greatly reduce the chances of being scammed.

At Salehs, we take misuse of our name seriously and stand ready to assist clients in confirming authenticity or responding to attempted frauds. Please get in touch if you ever feel uncertain about the legitimacy of a solicitor’s communication you receive.

In an age of increasingly sophisticated fraud, vigilance, verification and prompt reporting are your best defence.