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Fraud Alert

Fraud Alert

Baker Botts: Guidance on Fraudulent Communications and Security Precautions

Fraudsters may register website domain names that closely resemble legitimate Baker Botts domains, intending to deceive clients and others into believing they are corresponding with a genuine Baker Botts email address. Recent security assessments have several domain variations that could be used in such scams including but not limited to:

  • bakerbots.com
  • bakerbott.com
  • bakerbottts.com
  • bakerbottsinc,com
  • bakerbottsllp.com
  • bakerbottsllp-us.com

These domains are not affiliated with Baker Botts and may be used in phishing attempts or fraudulent correspondence.

Baker Botts Commitment to Data Security

Baker Botts takes the security of client data extremely seriously. Our systems are designed to safeguard your information through robust physical, technical, and administrative controls.

Despite these measures, please note that the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. While we take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of data transmitted electronically. Any transmission is at your own risk.

Recommended Precautions When Corresponding with Baker Botts

To help protect yourself from fraud, especially when asked for confidential or personal information, or when handling payment requests, please observe the following:

  • Always verify the sender’s email address: Ensure it ends with @bakerbotts.com and check the email headers for authenticity.
  • Validate matter numbers or references: Confirm that any matter or reference number matches what you expect or have previously verified.
  • Scrutinize invoices: Review all invoice calculations for accuracy, as fraudulent invoices often contain errors.
  • Check branding consistency: Confirm that logos and branding match prior legitimate correspondence.
  • Verify bank details: Any changes to our bank details will be communicated officially. Do not rely on information solely presented in an invoice.
  • Use trusted contact methods: If in doubt, call Baker Botts using a known, verified phone number. Do not use numbers provided in suspicious emails or invoices, as these may connect you to fraudsters.
  • Report suspicious communications: If you suspect you have received fraudulent correspondence related to Baker Botts, notify us immediately via an existing trusted contact or via our contact form (Contact Us). You may also report incidents to your email or telephone provider, the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network, or your local law enforcement agency.

Abuse of Mobile Messaging Applications

We have observed fraudulent activity using mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger. These messages may impersonate Baker Botts attorneys, using real names and publicly available information to appear legitimate.Baker Botts will never initiate contact regarding a legal matter or recruitment via WhatsApp, Messenger, or similar Social Media platforms. All legitimate communications will come from official Baker Botts email addresses or phone numbers.

If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of a communication from someone claiming to be a Baker Botts attorney, contact us via an existing trusted contact.

Common Signs of Fraudulent Messages

  •  Messages from unknown sources or individuals you have not previously communicated with.
  • Offers to help recover lost funds or represent you in lawsuits you are unaware of.
  • Requests for personal information about you or your family.
  • Language that creates a sense of urgency or threatens financial harm if ignored.
  • Messages containing suspicious links or requests for money/advance fees.

Special Warning: Crypto Scam Impersonation

There is an emerging fraud scheme where criminals impersonate lawyers from leading law firms, including Baker Botts, to target victims of cryptocurrency scams. These fraudsters may use real names and photos of Baker Botts lawyers and reach out via WhatsApp, Messenger, of other Social Media platforms offering to recover stolen cryptocurrency. Baker Botts will never cold-call or message anyone unsolicited to offer fund recovery, nor will we request information or funds through social messaging channels.

If you receive such a communication claiming to be from Baker Botts, do not respond or provide any information. Instead, report the incident to us via an existing trusted contact.

How to Report Suspicious Activity

  •  Phone: Use only contact numbers listed on the official Baker Botts website.
  • Online: Use our contact form (Contact Us).
  • External Reporting: You may also consider report phishing or spoofing attempts to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at https://www.ic3.gov/. Please also see further information on impersonation and phishing at the FBI website fbi.gov.