Alerts

Warning: Emails falsely claiming to be from Garratts Solicitors

24 June 2024

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Lisa Scott at Garratts Solicitors in relation to conveyancing transactions.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails falsely claiming to be from Garratts Solicitors.

Some of the bogus emails appear to have been sent from the genuine email address of a conveyancing executive at the genuine firm. However, we understand some sent an attachment requesting that a deposit payment be made to a bank account in the name of a different and unconnected company.

Emails have also been sent using the domain name '@garratslaw.co.uk' (similar to the domain name of the genuine firm but containing only one 't'). The emails also seek payment of a deposit in relation to the purchase of a property.

The emails misuse the name, logo and contact details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails also misuse the name of a conveyancing executive at the firm (see below).

Any business or transaction through the email domain '@garratslaw.co.uk' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Garratts Solicitors. Their head office address is King Street Buildings, Manchester Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL8 1DH.

The firm’s genuine email domain ends in @garrattslaw.co.uk. The firm’s genuine telephone number for their Oldham address is 0161 665 3502 and its genuine website is www.garrattssolicitors.co.uk.

The firm have confirmed that they employ a genuine Lisa Scott as a conveyancing executive at the firm.

The genuine firm of solicitors have confirmed that neither the firm nor Lisa Scott have a genuine and intended connection to the emails 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.