Alerts

Warning: Communications misusing the name of Gavin Elliot and the SRA

10 February 2025

Emails and Whatsapp messages have been sent and telephone calls have been made misusing the name of Gavin Elliot and the SRA.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails falsely claiming to be from Gavin Elliot and the SRA.

The SRA has been advised that telephone calls have also been made and Whatsapp messages have been sent falsely claiming to be from Gavin Elliot and the SRA.

The communications were in relation to cryptocurrency transfers.

The emails were sent from the email address 'gavin.elliot@solicitor.ac' and provide a postal address of 'North Wharf Road, London, W2'.

Any business or transaction through the above email address 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 Gavin Elliot, a solicitor with the SRA number 564494. Gavin Elliot has confirmed that he has no connection to the above matter.

There are a number of genuine law firms located on North Wharf Road, London, none of which are believed to be connected to the communications 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.