Alerts

Warning: Correspondence and emails misusing the name of James Brown, 'James Brown LLP' and 'Brown Chambers UK'

21 October 2025

Correspondence and emails have been sent misusing the name of James Brown, 'James Brown LLP' and 'Brown Chambers UK' in relation to an inheritance scam.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails and letters have been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below) in relation to a possible inheritance scam.

The letters were signed by James Brown referring to himself as a Legal Practitioner at 'Browns Chambers UK'. The letters informs the recipients and seeks their consent to obtain approval to facilitate the transfer of funds. The recipients will receive 60% of the transfer and 40% will be transferred to at 'Browns Chambers UK'. They are also requested to keep this information confidential. A death certificate, certificate of deposit and a Canadian passport was also provided.

An email was also sent from James Brown referring to a name of 'Jan Peter De Boer' who it suggests is a solicitor 'who specializes in Inheritance claims'.

The emails have been sent from the email address 'james@brownchambers.co.uk'. The emails and letters provide the postal address of '119-32 Ely Place, London, EC1N 6TD', a contact number of '+44 7425 696037' and a website of 'www.brownchambers.co.uk'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual named 'Jan Peter De Boer'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm named 'James Brown LLP' or 'Brown Chambers UK'.

Any business or transaction through the above contact details 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 number of solicitors called James Brown. None which are believed to have any connection.

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.