Alerts
Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of Thomas Higgins Limited
14 April 2023
Correspondence has been sent falsely claiming to be from 'Sophie Williams' of Thomas Higgins Limited.
What is the scam?
A letter has been sent to members of the public falsely claiming to be from 'Sophie Williams' of Thomas Higgins Limited.
The letter seen by the SRA relates to supposedly recovering an outstanding debt and misuses the name and letterhead style of the genuine firm.
However, as well as being signed by someone using the name 'Sophie Williams' it was also signed 'Yours Faithfull' and contained a spelling mistake in the address of the firm, providing an address including '19-21 Seaviwe Road (see below for details of the genuine firm).
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Thomas Higgins Limited whose head office address is Lloyds Chambers, 19 - 21 Seaview Road, Wallasey, CH45 4TH.
The genuine firm has confirmed that it does not employ anyone called Sophie Williams. The firm has confirmed it has no genuine connection to the letter referred to in the above alert.
The SRA authorises and regulates several genuine solicitors named Sophie Williams none of whom are believed to have any connection to the letter 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.