South Africa Scam Correspondence Warning – July 2020
We have been informed that the name of Freemans Law Firm, along with the names of some of our partners and employees, has been used in fraudulent scam emails. These unsolicited messages falsely claim to be sent by individuals from Freemans Law Firm (who are genuine employees) and typically contain vague information, asking recipients for a response in order to provide further details. For instance, we have observed emails claiming to notify individuals of an inheritance, requesting personal information or bank details. These emails are not legitimate and are being sent without our consent.
What to Look Out For
Our official email domains end with @freemanslawfirm.com, and we do not use Gmail, Hotmail, Outlook, or Yahoo email addresses. Always check the sender’s email details and be cautious of addresses that look similar to ours but are not exactly the same.
Be extra cautious if you receive unsolicited emails that contain suspicious content, such as:
- Unusual spelling or grammar;
- Requests to open attachments or click on links;
- Encouraging you to share sensitive or personal information, including bank details.
New scams are constantly being created, so please be vigilant of any unsolicited emails, phone calls, or letters claiming to be from Freemans Law Firm. These scams often aim to steal money or personal data, which may later be used for illegal activities. While the first contact may not ask for money or personal details, it could do so after your response. Therefore, we strongly advise that you avoid engaging with any suspicious correspondence.
What Should You Do?
If you receive any communication that claims to be from Freemans Law Firm and suspect it may be fraudulent or if you would like to confirm its authenticity, please contact us immediately. We strongly advise that you DO NOT respond to the message and delete it after notifying us.
Additionally, you can visit the Solicitors Regulation Authority website for more information on scams involving law firms in South Africa and internationally.