Alerts

Warning: Misuse of the name 'Steven Hamilton'

22 April 2024

The name 'Steven Hamilton' and the contact number for Taylor Walton LLP are being misused.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that the name 'Steven Hamilton' and the contact number for a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) are being misused. It is understood that a third party claiming to be called 'Steven Lee' has been advising people that 'Steven Hamilton' is his solicitor, and if they pay the third party 'Steven Lee' will arrange for contracts for a property to be drawn up.

The SRA has also been advised that 'Steven Lee' provided the telephone number for a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor called 'Steven Lee'.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Taylor Walton LLP. Its genuine telephone number is 01582 731161.

The SRA also authorises a solicitor called Steven Hamilton who works at Taylor Walton LLP.

The genuine firm of Taylor Walton LLP has confirmed that neither it, nor the genuine Steven Hamilton have any connection to the third party 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.