Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name and details of Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors Limited falsely claiming to be from 'John Irwin'

2 June 2026

A letter has been sent purporting to be from 'John Irwin' a partner at 'Paul Crowley Solicitor', misusing the name and details of the genuine firm of solicitors Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors Limited.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a letter sent to a member of the public purporting to be from 'John Irwin' in relation to offering support with 'family contact arrangements'.

The letter sent bears the heading 'J Irwin Partner Of Paul Crowley Solicitor' and quotes the address of 'The Plaza, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9QJ' and a telephone number of '0151 545 1133'. The signature also states 'John Irwin, Partner of Paul Crowley Solicitor'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate any individuals with the name 'John Irwin' or 'J Irwin'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Paul Crowley Solicitor'.

Any business or transaction using the details outlined 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 Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors Limited (SRA number 566808). The genuine firms head office address is Frank Crowley House, 232 Breck Road, Anfield, Liverpool, L5 6PX and the genuine telephone number is 01512647363.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it does not have a Partner at the firm with the name 'John Irwin' or 'J Irwin'.

The genuine firm has also confirmed it has no connection to the letter and contact details 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.