Cybercrime and bogus firms

What are we trying to do

We want firms and the public to be aware of the kind of scams that look to steal money or obtain sensitive information. We have a range of resources available to help you combat cybercriminals, including advice, case studies and reports.

Who needs to know

Law firms and their clients

What's going on

Cyberattacks make up 75 per cent of all reported crime in the UK. Law firms and their clients are an attractive target because transactions often involve large sums of money, and law firms control sensitive information on behalf of their clients.

Law firms should be aware of the risks of cybercrime and take appropriate action to eliminate or mitigate against these risks.

Sometimes attacks can involve criminals posing as law firms in a bid to gain the confidence of members of the public.

Fraudsters use the identities of law firms, either real or invented, to convince members of the public to part with sensitive information, money, or both.

These bogus firms can go to elaborate lengths to appear genuine, either by taking the names of existing solicitors at existing firms, or creating authentic-looking websites that suggest their credentials are real.

While it is an offence to pretend to be a solicitor under the Solicitors Act, it is usually impossible for us to pursue a prosecution against such fraudsters, the majority of whom operate overseas.