Alerts

Warning: Document misusing the name of Vermeylen Law Limited

27 October 2026

A document that looks like an official court document is misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors in relation to an estate matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a document which appears to look like an official court document has been sent to a member of the public from an individual called 'Steve' via WhatsApp using the number '+233 53 634 0165'.

The document seen by the SRA, entitled 'Court Approval of Estate Gold Asset', claims that the recipient addressed in the document is the beneficiary of refined gold bars. This document misuses the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see details below) claiming that it is the 'legal representative' in this matter. The document also includes a signature purporting to be that of the genuine firm of solicitors (see details below), which is false.

Any business or transactions through the document and WhatsApp number described above 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 firm of solicitors called Vermeylen Law Limited (SRA ID: 658016) whose address is 40 Berkeley Square, Bristol, BS8 1HP. The genuine email domain of the genuine firm is @vermeylen-law.com and the telephone number of the genuine firm is 0117 251 0175.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the document and WhatsApp number 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.