Alerts

Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of JHB Law Ltd

18 February 2025

Correspondence has been sent misusing the name of JHB Law Ltd, in relation to a supposed immigration matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that correspondence has been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The correspondence is said to be in relation to a supposed immigration matter. We understand the recipient has been asked to sign a supposed Letter of Authority using a template which appears to have been copied from the genuine firm .

We understand that the correspondence has come via the email address 'ElliotChappell@lawstopltd.co.uk' and the telephone number '07506 709 163'.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'ElliotChappell@lawstopltd.co.uk' or the contact number '07506 709 163' 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 firm of solicitors called JHB Law Ltd trading as Lawstop. The firm's head office contact number is 0208 150 2588.

The firm's email domain ends in @lawstop.co.uk.

Elliot Chappell is a solicitor at JHB Law Ltd.

JHB Law Ltd has confirmed that neither it nor its Elliot Chappell have any connection to the correspondence 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.