Scams and Fraudulent Activity

Last Updated: 10 September 2024

At Ghothane Lawyers, we are committed to safeguarding our clients and the public from scams and fraudulent activities that misuse our firm’s name and reputation. This notice provides important information to help you recognize, avoid, and report potential scams.

Recognising Scams

Scams involving the misuse of law firm names are increasingly common. These scams may include:

• Unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages claiming to be from our firm requesting payment or personal information.
• Fake invoices or legal documents demanding immediate payment.
• Phishing attempts that direct you to fraudulent websites that look like ours.
• Offers of legal services at suspiciously low rates, often requiring upfront payments.

Please be aware that Ghothane Lawyers will never:

• Ask you for payment or personal information via email, social media, or text messages.
• Contact you out of the blue offering legal services without prior communication.
• Ask you to transfer money to a personal or unverified bank account.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify Communications: If you receive any unexpected communication claiming to be from Ghothane Lawyers, verify its authenticity by contacting us directly using the contact details listed on our official website, www.ghothane.com.au.
• Do Not Share Personal Information: Be cautious about providing personal or financial information online or over the phone, especially if the request seems suspicious.
• Check the Sender’s Details: Ensure that any emails or messages from our firm are sent from our official domain (e.g., @ghothane.com.au) and not from a free or unfamiliar email service.

What to Do if You Are Targeted

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam involving our firm or have received fraudulent communications, we advise you to:

• Cease Communication: Do not respond to the message, provide any personal information, or make any payments.
• Report the Incident: Contact us immediately at 1800 886 886 or info@ghothane.com.au to report the incident. We will investigate and take appropriate action.
• Report the Scam: You can also report the scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scam Watch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au, or to your local authorities.

How We Handle Fraudulent Activity

At Ghothane Lawyers, we take scams and fraudulent activity very seriously. We work with relevant authorities to investigate any misuse of our firm’s name and take necessary steps to protect our clients and the public.

Stay Informed

We encourage you to stay vigilant and informed about common scams. For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, please visit the Scam Watch website or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Contact Us

If you have any questions about scams or fraudulent activity, please contact us at:

Ghothane Lawyers
Address: Level 1, 550 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 1800 886 886
Email: info@ghothane.com.au