Alerts

Warning: Emails and text messages misusing the name of Jonathan Frank Evans

30 July 2025

Emails and text messages have been sent misusing the name of Jonathan Frank Evans in relation to acting in an escrow capacity for a real estate transaction.

What is the scam?

A member of the public has received emails and text messages from an individual purporting to be Jonathan Frank Evans regarding holding funds in escrow for a commercial property purchase. The emails and text messages seen by the SRA misuse the name of a genuine SRA authorised and regulated freelance solicitor, the SRA ID of the genuine solicitor's freelance practice and the head office address of the genuine freelance practice (see details of genuine solicitor and firm below).

The text messages seen by the SRA purporting to be from the genuine Jonathan Frank Evans have been sent from the phone number (608) 975-7822. The emails seen by the SRA purporting to be from the genuine Jonathan Frank Evans have been sent from the email address 'jonathanevans12@proton.me'.

Any business or transaction through the email 'jonathanevans12@proton.me' or the phone number (608) 975-7822 is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine freelance practice called Jonathan Evans. The genuine head office address for the practice is 1120 Willow Drive, Greenport, New York, 11944.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine freelance solicitor called Jonathan Frank Evans, who is the genuine freelance solicitor operating the freelance practice Jonathan Evans (details 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.