Alerts

Warning: Third party misusing the name of David Jones

5 January 2024

The SRA has been advised that a member of public was falsely claiming that a solicitor, David Jones, drafted a Will.

What is the scam?

The SRA was advised that a member of the public was contacted by a third party advising that a solicitor, David Jones, drafted a Will under which the third party allegedly received some inheritance in the United Kingdom. As a result, a member of the public paid money to the third party to obtain the alleged inheritance.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor David Jones, SRA ID number 111632, who is a Director at David Jones (Solicitors) Limited, SRA ID number 495156.

The genuine solicitor David Jones has confirmed that he had not drafted the Will as alleged and has no genuine or intended connection to the inheritance scam referred to in the above alert.

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.