Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Dr George Pazzi-Axworthy (deceased)

17 July 2023

An email has been sent by an individual claiming to be called 'Dr.George Pazzi-Anxworthy' in relation to a supposed debt collection.

What is the scam?

An email has been received by members of the public from an individual claiming to be called 'Dr.George Pazzi-Anxworthy' in relation to a supposed debt collection.

The SRA understands that email was sent using the email of 'georgeanxworthy@gmail.com'

The email misuses a name which is very similar to that of a genuine deceased solicitor (see below).

Any business or transactions through the email domain 'georgeanxworthy@gmail.com' are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorised and regulated a genuine solicitor called Dr George Pazzi-Axworthy who died in 2009.

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.