Alerts
Warning: Correspondence from 'A.V.A Mitchell & Co'
5 September 2025
Correspondence has been sent to a member of the public falsely claiming to be from 'A.V.A Mitchell & Co' in relation to a supposed inheritance matter.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that correspondence has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of a closed firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a supposed inheritance matter.
The correspondence seen by the SRA has been sent from 'Angela Mitchell' claiming to be the Head of the Legal Department at 'A.V.A Mitchell & Co' of '9 Forest Approach, Woodford Green, Essex, IGB 9BP' (see below) in relation to a supposed inheritance matter.
The recipient is advised that they share the same surname and nationality of a supposedly deceased client of the firm. The recipient is advised that if they agree to the claim, funds will be split equally between the firm and the recipient. An email address of 'am@avamandco.com' and telephone numbers of '+44 742 991 7395' and '+44 745 223 3413' are provided in the correspondence.
Among the documents provided to the recipient was a document purporting to be from the 'Supreme Court' confirming that permission had been granted to the recipient to submit a claim on the deceased's estate.
Any business or transaction through the above postal address, telephone numbers and email address is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorised and regulated a genuine sole practice called A V A Mitchell & Co which ceased trading in 2018. The sole practice operated from an address of 39 Forest Approach, Woodford Green, IG8 9BP.
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Angela Mitchell who has confirmed that she has no connection to the above matter.
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.
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