Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Stevens & Bolton LLP

25 March 2025

Emails sent misusing the name of Stevens & Bolton LLP in relation to a supposed copyright infringement notice.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to a supposed copyright infringement notice.

In an email seen by the SRA, the recipient is referred to a PDF attachment containing evidence of the alleged copyright infringement. The concern is that the document may contain malware. The recipient is advised to remove the content within 48 hours of the notification; failing which, certain specified actions would be taken against them.   

The SRA understand that the emails are sent using an email address with a @gmail.com domain, including 'giorafinli1989@gmail.com'

Any business or transaction through the email address of 'giorafinli1989@gmail.com' is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Stevens & Bolton LLP. The email domain for the firm is @stevens-bolton.com.

Stevens & Bolton LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the email 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.