Fraud and Cybercrime

Q I heard : about fraudsters targeting solicitors firms. How can I make sure I’m contacting a qualified solicitor?

A: Unfortunately there are times when criminals will hold themselves out to be solicitors in an attempt to scam members of the public and take their money. In the past, scam, false law firms have created slick websites promoting their services, which often replicate the websites of real law firms. While it’s highly unlikely that there is a problem, it’s worth being cautious and double checking that your chosen solicitor is legitimate. If you’re unsure, use the ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool on the Law Society of Scotland’s

The Law Society holds a database of all practising solicitors in Scotland, and Scottish solicitors who work abroad, which you can search by location and area of law. Only solicitors who are currently entitled to practice are listed and the information is updated in real time. The majority of solicitors in Scotland have a professional ID called a Smartcard. Each card has a unique number which can be used to check the solicitor’s status. You can ask your solicitor to show you this card to prove they are who they say they are. If you’re a new client, your solicitor is required to check your identity in a face-to-face meeting. This is to protect against potential money laundering. If someone claiming to be a solicitor skips this important step, make sure to check their credentials