Alerts

Warning: Cheque and correspondence misusing the name of Hugh James Solicitors

8 September 2026

The SRA has seen a copy of a cheque and correspondence misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors.

What is the scam?

The SRA understands that a member of the public contacted a genuine firm of solicitors (please see below) stating that they had received a cheque and correspondence from them.

On receipt of the cheque and the correspondence, the firm noted that the correspondence was on letter head almost identical to their own and used the name of a former employee The account details specified on the cheque were not those of the genuine firm of solicitors.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Hugh James (SRA ID 303202) based at Two Central Square, Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1FS. The firm's email addresses are cardiff@hughjames.com and info@hughjames.com. The telephone number is 0333 0162 222.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the scam referred to above.

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.