Alerts

Warning: Correspondence from 'Oliver Benard' misusing the firm name Grant Saw Solicitors LLP

30 June 2026

Emails and legal documents have been sent to a member of the public from an individual called 'Oliver Benard' misusing the firm name Grant Saw Solicitors LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails and documents sent to a member of the public from an individual called 'Oliver Benard' misusing the name and details of a genuine firm (see below). This contact forms part of an apparent attempt by this individual to recover funds previously lost in a Bitcoin related scam.

The email was sent from the email address: benardgrantsaw@consultant.com

The documents titled 'International Fund Transfer Agreement' and 'Acknowledgment of Debt', refer to an individual named 'Oliver Bernard' (spelled with an 'R') and claim to have been prepared and sent by this person. They falsely suggest that this individual is associated with the genuine firm, which is not the case.

An image of a purported 'National Identity Card' was also provided to the member of the public. This document is not genuine, also uses the surname 'Bernard' (spelled with an 'R') and includes a photograph of an individual.

The documents also misuse the name and address of the genuine firm in order to give a false impression that they are genuine.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor called 'Oliver Benard' or 'Oliver Bernard'.

Any business or transaction through the email address listed above is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Grant Saw Solicitors LLP (SRA number 509874). The firm's genuine email domain is @grantsaw.co.uk.

The genuine firm has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the email or documents referred to in the above alert and do not recognise the individual shown in the photograph on the purported identity card.

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.