Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Hugh James

20 March 2025

An email has been sent misusing the name of Hugh James.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The email seen by the SRA alleged that the recipient of the email had violated copyright laws.

The email was sent from the email address 'sizzsibvami1974@gmail.com'.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'sizzsibvami1974@gmail.com' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Hugh James. Its head office address is Two Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1FS. The firm's telephone number is 03330162222 and the domain used by the firm is '@hughjames.com'. The firm's genuine website is www.hughjames.com.

The genuine firm of Hugh James has confirmed it does not have any connection to the email 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.