Alerts

Warning: 'Howard & Corbett Solicitors' claiming to be a law firm

29 July 2024

'Howard & Corbett Solicitors' claiming to be a law firm in East Sussex.

What is the scam?

A member of the public has received a letter from an individual called 'Jonathan Benwell' who claims to be a Solicitor at 'Howard & Corbett Solicitors'. The letter claims that 'Howard & Corbett Solicitors' have been appointed as the legal representatives to manage the affairs of the deceased for the probate process .

The letter provides an address of '2 Bartholomew's Brighton, East Sussex, BH1 1HG' and a return envelope address of 'H&C offices 19 Farncombe Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 2AY'. The letter also provides a telephone number of '0330 328 1559'.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Howard & Corbett Solicitors' nor does it authorise and regulate a solicitor called 'Jonathan Bennwell'.

Any business or transaction through 'Howard & Corbett Solicitors' are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

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.