In the United Kingdom cases of data tampering involving advocates are being reported
Fraudsters are contacting people on behalf of real advocates and law firms, using their registration information. Over the course of two days, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) of England and Wales issued seven warnings about fake websites, emails and profiles.
In one case, the sender posed as both a real solicitor and a representative of the regulator. On August 7, 2026, the SRA reported an email and phone call to a private individual regarding the «return» of cryptocurrency. The email came from a domain name that could give the impression of being affiliated with the SRA. Attached to the email was a document formatted to appear as confirmation of compliance and the execution of a financial transaction on the blockchain.
The SRA confirmed that Joyvin Matthew, whose name was used in the communication, is a genuine solicitor. However, he does not work for the SRA and, according to available information, had no connection to the email or phone call. The contact details used did not belong to any solicitor or law firm regulated by the SRA.
The day before, on August 6, the SRA issued six more warnings regarding the unlawful use of professional data belonging to solicitors and law firms.
In one case, a website and emails contained the name and registration number of a real solicitor. Another website presented itself as a law firm, and its representative asked a private individual to provide personal data and documents. Several other sites used the names and registration numbers of solicitors, as well as the contact details of law firms.
A separate warning concerned a profile on Fiverr — an online platform for hiring freelancers. Through this profile, legal services were offered on behalf of a solicitor. The SRA also reported an email bearing a «stamp» that used the details of a real law firm and the name of a female attorney.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority recommends verifying such communications using contact information other than that provided in the received letter or on a third-party website. To verify an advocate’s identity or a firm’s status, use the SRA’s official register and contact information obtained from reliable sources.
The SRA is the regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales, responsible for overseeing the protection of consumers of legal services. The Law Society of England and Wales serves as the representative body. In Ukraine, similar powers are divided between the UNBA and the bodies of bar self-governance.
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