Fraud alert - scam WhatsApp messages

What’s the scam?

We have been alerted to a scam involving WhatsApp messages that falsely claim to be from McGlashan MacKay Solicitors in relation to health and social care visas.

The messages are being sent by a WhatsApp business account posing as McGlashan MacKay Solicitors and encouraging people to send passport and CV information for a purported health and social care visa application and pay a “service charge” of £570. The messages include details such as McGlashan MacKay Solicitors’ correct address and company registration number.

However, McGlashan MacKay Solicitors does not conduct business via WhatsApp and all advice should be sought through its office.

What should you do?

If you receive WhatsApp messages claiming to be from McGlashan MacKay Solicitors, do not respond to the messages or provide any information or payment details.

If you have received what you suspect is on online scam, such as an email or message, you should report this to Police Scotland by calling 101. Where a fraud or scam has actually taken place, it should be reported directly to Police Scotland. You can find out more about reporting crime in Scotland here.

When working with a solicitor or law firm, it is important to carry out due diligence and check the authenticity of correspondence you receive.

Our Find a Solicitor search tool on our website allows you to find the contact details for all practising Scottish solicitors.