Alerts

Warning: Letter advising of a change of tenancy has been sent falsely claiming to be from Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co

9 July 2026

A letter advising of a change of tenancy has been sent to an energy company, falsely claiming to be from Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co and misusing its name and details.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a letter advising of a change of tenancy which was sent to an energy company purporting to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) and misusing its name, letterhead, logo, stamp and SRA number.

The letter uses the genuine firm address of 14-16 Baker Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 2LH and falsely purports to be signed by 'Catherine Reed, Conveyancing Executive'.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co (SRA number 667527). The genuine firms head office address is 14-16 Baker Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 2LH. The genuine email domain for the firm is @vauxfletcher.co.uk and the telephone number is 01642222834.

Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co has confirmed that it has no connection to the letter 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.