Alerts

Warning: Communications from 'Godwins in Winchester', 'Phillip Godwin' and 'Mrs Rawling'

25 September 2024

Communications have been sent from 'Godwins in Winchester', 'Phillip Godwin' and 'Mrs Rawling' claiming to be employed by Godwins Solicitors LLP

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that communications were sent from 'Godwins in Winchester', 'Phillip Godwin' and 'Mrs Rawling' claiming to be employed by Godwins Solicitors LLP. The communications relate to requests to transfer funds in connection with property transactions and/or matrimonial proceedings.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Godwins in Winchester' nor individuals named 'Phillip Godwin' or 'Mrs Rawling'

Any business or transactions carried out with 'Godwins in Winchester', 'Phillip Godwin' or 'Mrs Rawling' are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA does authorise and regulate a genuine law firm called Godwins Solicitors LLP (SRA ID 619783) whose head office address is 12 St. Thomas Street, Winchester, SO23 9HF

The genuine firm of Godwins Solicitors LLP has confirmed it does not employ 'Phillip Godwin' or 'Mrs Rawling' and that the firm has no connection to the communications made by 'Godwins in Winchester', 'Phillip Godwin' or 'Mrs Rawling'.

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.