Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of Thomas Higgins Limited

1 May 2024

A letter has been sent misusing the name of Thomas Higgins Limited in relation to a purported outstanding debt.

What is the scam?

A letter has been sent to a member of the public that falsely purports to have been prepared by Thomas Higgins Limited.

The letter seen by the SRA relates to a purported outstanding debt. It says that unless the recipient makes payment, court proceedings will be issued.

The letter says that queries/payments must be made to 'Miss K Chapman' and provides the telephone number '07592 314 691'.

The letter misuses the name, address and VAT registration number of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transactions through the telephone number of '07592 314 691' are not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Thomas Higgins Limited whose address is Lloyds Chambers, 19-21 Seaview Road, Wallasey, CH45 4TH. The VAT registration number of the genuine firm of solicitors is GB 243 0890 18.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Katie Chapman.

The genuine firm and the genuine solicitor Katie Chapman have confirmed that they do not have any connection to the letter 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.