Alerts

Warning: Letters misusing the name of Paul Lyons

2 October 2024

Letters have been sent misusing the name of Paul Lyons.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that letters have been sent to a member of the public in Switzerland purporting to be from a genuine solicitor (see below) in relation to an inheritance scam.

The letter refers to a firm called 'Paul Lyons and Partners' and misuses the former address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The address provided is 100 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DT.

The letter seen by the SRA provides the email address 'lyons@paullyonsandpartners.com' and the telephone number '+44 20 391 08553'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Paul Lyons and Partners'.

Any business or transaction through 'Paul Lyons and Partners', the email address 'lyons@paullyonsandpartners.com' or the telephone number '+44 20 391 08553' is not undertaken by an individual or firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises a genuine firm of solicitors called Goodwin Proctor (UK) LLP. Its genuine head office address is Sancroft, 10-15 Newgate Street, London, EC1A 7AZ.

The SRA also authorises a number of solicitors called Paul Lyons. None of whom are thought to have any connection to the scam referred to above. One of whom is a solicitor at Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP.

The genuine firm of Goodwin Procter (UK) LLP has confirmed that neither it nor its Paul Lyons have any connection to the alert above.

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.