Alerts

Warning: Communication misusing the name and image of 'Edward Garston' via Telegram

13 February 2026

Messages have been sent misusing the name and image of Edward Garston.

What is the scam?

Telegram messages have been sent misusing the name and image of Edward Garston.

The SRA has seen messages purporting to be sent by Edward Garston. The messages contain the office address Law Firm Limited, Chancery Lane, London, England, WC2A 1PL.

The message also contains contact details pinneytalfourdsolicitors121@gmail.com and telephone number +44 8081570192.

Any business or transaction through Telegram for the individual listed above is not undertaken by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Edward Garston (SRA ID: 375745) who has confirmed that he does not have any connection to the messages referred to in the above alert.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Pinney Talfourd LLP (SRA ID 463103), their head office address is 54 Station Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2TU.

Their genuine telephone number is 01708229444 and their genuine email address is mail@pinneytalfourd.co.uk

Pinney Talfourd LLP has confirmed it has no connection to the messages 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.