UK Regulator Issues Warning on Fake Solicitor Bitcoin Scam

In a concerning development, the United Kingdom’s financial regulator has issued a stark warning about a growing trend of fake solicitors perpetrating Bitcoin (BTC) scams. 

The UK’s Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) issued a warning about a new scam involving emails from fake lawyers demanding BTC payments. An update on its website suggested that an email from the address “[email protected]” states that it has copied your data and threatens to release compromising videos unless a BTC payment is made. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has noted a significant increase in reports of individuals posing as legitimate solicitors persuading victims to invest in BTC or other cryptocurrencies.

These scams often target unsuspecting individuals looking to invest or capitalise on the cryptocurrency market’s potential. The modus operandi typically involves fraudsters presenting themselves as solicitors with fake websites and convincing marketing materials. They approach potential victims through cold calls or unsolicited emails, offering attractive investment opportunities in cryptocurrencies. To add credibility, they may even provide false registration details or membership to professional bodies, misleading their targets into believing they are dealing with genuine legal professionals.

How the Scam Unfolds

Once initial contact is established, the fake solicitors employ various tactics to lure victims deeper into their scheme. They often promise high returns on investments in BTC or other cryptocurrencies, exploiting the current hype and interest in digital assets. These promises are backed by elaborate schemes and false testimonials designed to create a sense of urgency and opportunity among potential investors. Moreover, scammers may use sophisticated techniques, such as creating fake trading platforms or investment accounts that show fabricated profits. They manipulate data and provide misleading information to convince victims of the legitimacy of their operations. 

This deception aims to persuade individuals to transfer funds directly into accounts controlled by the fraudsters, leading to substantial financial losses. The SRA emphasised that the scam email includes a link to a BTC wallet, which may contain malware. The email falsely mentioned Patrice Joyce and claimed affiliation with Attwaters Solicitors and Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors. However, the SRA confirmed that there is no authorised or regulated lawyer named Patrice Joyce. The SRA highlighted that activities or communications from the email “@attwaters.com” are not linked to the legitimate firms or individuals it regulates. Genuine emails from these firms use domains ending in “@attwaters.co.uk” or “@attwatersjamesonhill.co.uk.” Manjot Kaur, also known as Joyti, is a legitimate solicitor employed at Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors. The firm and Ms Kaur have confirmed they are not associated with the fraudulent email.

Regulatory Response and Protecting Yourself

The FCA has taken proactive measures to warn the public and provide guidance on avoiding falling victim to these scams. They emphasise the importance of verifying the credentials of any solicitor or financial advisor before engaging in any monetary transactions. Genuine solicitors and financial professionals are registered with recognised regulatory bodies and can easily be verified through official channels.

Individuals are advised to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising high returns with little to no risk. Scammers often exploit the fear of missing out (FOMO) on lucrative investment opportunities, pressuring victims to make rapid decisions without conducting proper due diligence.

The FCA recommends the following steps to protect oneself from falling victim to these scams:

1. Verify Credentials: Always verify the credentials of solicitors or financial advisors through official regulatory websites or directly contacting the regulatory bodies.
2. Be doubtful of Unsolicited Offers: Treat unsolicited investment opportunities with doubt, especially those received via cold calls, emails, or social media.
3. Research and Due Diligence: Conduct thorough research on the investment opportunity and the individuals or companies involved. Check for reviews, testimonials, and any negative feedback online.
4. Avoid Pressure to Act Quickly: Beware of high-pressure tactics that urge you to invest quickly without providing sufficient time to consider the risks and benefits.
5. Report Suspected Scams: If you suspect a fraudulent solicitor or investment scheme has targeted you, report it to the FCA immediately. Timely reporting can help prevent further financial losses and assist in investigating such scams.

Individuals can protect themselves from these sophisticated scams by staying vigilant and informed. Educating oneself about common fraud tactics and remaining cautious when dealing with financial investments are crucial to safeguarding personal finances and investments. In 2019, a similar email extortion scam emerged targeting websites using Google’s AdSense program.

Scammers demanded BTC in exchange for supposedly protecting against an attack that would allegedly result in AdSense account suspension. A year after that, New Zealand law enforcement warned about a crypto scam where fraudsters blackmail victims by claiming to possess info about their online activities. They demanded a BTC ransom. Individuals were advised to conduct due diligence if they received suspicious correspondence by the SRA.