Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Edward Garston

24 July 2023

Emails have been sent misusing the name of Edward Garston in relation to a supposed inheritance.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that members of the public have received emails falsely claiming to be from Edward Garston. We understand that the emails were in relation to a supposed inheritance.

The SRA has also seen a badge falsely purporting to belong to Mr Edward Garston, an Attorney of Pinney Talfourd Solicitors. The badge misuses the name of a genuine solicitor and a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction through the contact information provided on the badge 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 solicitor called Edward Garston (SRA ID: 375745) who has confirmed that he does not have any connection to the emails or badge referred to in the above alert.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Pinney Talfourd LLP (SRA ID 463103), whose head office address is 54 Station Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2TU.

Pinney Talfourd LLP has confirmed that the firm does not have any connection to the badge 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.