Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Joshua Black

4 April 2025

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Joshua Black.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to a member of the public falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor (see below).

The member of the public has advised they were initially contacted by telephone by 'Joshua Black', who offered to assist with crypto fund recovery. Subsequent emails were sent from the email address 'joshua.blacksra@gmail.com'.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'joshua.blacksra@gmail.com' is not undertaken by any firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Joshua Black.

The genuine Joshua Black has confirmed he does not have any connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.

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.