Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Paul Hills & Co

1 February 2024

An email has been sent misusing the name of Paul Hills & Co.

What is the scam?

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

The email detailed the title 'Attached Purchase Contracts and Overdue invoice.'

Any business or transaction through the email address Paul Hill & Co Solicitors - sztranyak.jozsefdr.vosz.hu is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA did authorise a genuine firm called Paul Hills & Co, however this firm closed on 30 September 2013.

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.