Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the names of Lucy Clayton, Waleed Mir and GD Legal Solicitors Ltd

6 March 2025

Emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Lucy Clayton and Waleed Mir of GD Legal Solicitors Ltd.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails falsely claiming to be from fee earners at a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails asked the recipient to transfer funds relating to a deposit in a conveyancing transaction to a bank account which is not the firm's genuine bank account.

The emails were sent from 'waleed@gdlegal.co.uk' and 'lucy@gdlegal.co.uk'.

The emails misuse the name, address, telephone number, logo and SRA number of the genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails also misuse the names of genuine fee earners at the genuine firm (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called GD Legal Solicitors Ltd.

The firm's genuine head office address is Lowry Mill, Lees Street, Pendlebury, Swinton, Manchester, M27 6DB. The firm's genuine telephone number for its head office is 01617101786.

The firm's genuine email domain ends in @gdlegal.co.uk.

The firm's genuine SRA number is 627291.

The firm employs individuals called Lucy Clayton and Waleed Mir.

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.