Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name and postal address of Howell-Jones LLP

8 November 2024

A letter has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name and postal address of Howell-Jones LLP in relation to the overpayment of funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a letter has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name and postal address of Howell-Jones LLP (see below).

The letter seen by the SRA advises the recipient that they have received an overpayment of £60.00 from the firm's supposed client and advises the recipient to repay this money. The recipient is also advised that they have failed to complete contracted work and that legal proceedings have been initiated.

The letter misuses the postal address of Howell-Jones LLP (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates Howell-Jones LLP. The firm's office address is 594 - 596 Kingston Road, Raynes Park, London, SW20 8DN.

Howell-Jones LLP has confirmed that it has no connection to the above letter.

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.