Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Matthew Ostanek and Clement Hughes & Co LLP

25 June 2026

Emails sent misusing the name and details of a genuine solicitor and firm.

What is the scam?

Emails sent to members of the public misusing the name of a genuine solicitor and a genuine firm (see below) in relation to a mortgage offer and the purchase of a property.

The sender of the email asks the recipient for confirmation of funds and advises that they will need a cash deposit to progress the purchase of the property. The sender also asks the recipient to pay and deposit into their bank account.

The email was sent from the email address: matthew.ostanek@clements-hughes.co.uk (note the extra 's' after clement).

The telephone number: 01745 901921, fax number: 01745 852124 and office address: 4 Maes y Groes, Prestatyn, Denbighshire LL19 9DB are also provided in the email.

Any business or transaction through the email address matthew.ostanek@clements-hughes.co.uk 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 solicitor called Jonathan James Matthew Ostanek (SRA ID 664964).

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm called Clement Hughes & Co LLP (SRA number 8008263).

Matthew Ostanek is a Member at Clement Hughes & Co LLP. The genuine firm uses the email domain @clement-hughes.co.uk

The genuine firm of solicitors Clement Hughes & Co LLP and Matthew Ostanek have confirmed that they do not have any connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.

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.