Alerts

Warning: Correspondence falsely claiming to be from ‘Steve Cott’ misusing the name of Azhar & Co (a closed firm)

6 May 2026

A letter has been sent purporting to be from a solicitor called 'Steve Cott' of Azhar & Co, misusing the details of the genuine law firm that ceased trading in 2009.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that the identity of a genuine law firm which ceased trading in 2009 (see below) is being misused.  The letter seen by the SRA was sent to a member of the public purporting to be from 'Steve Cott' of the genuine law firm (see below) in relation to a visa application approval.

 'Steve Cott' is not a person that is authorised or regulated by the SRA. 

The letter sent includes the address of  '13 High Steet, Coventry, CV1 556' and a telephone number of '+44 1252 240095'. 

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 did authorise and regulate a firm by the name of Azhar & Co until its closure on 20 December 2009.

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.