Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of A Williams & Co

12 December 2025

A letter has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of A Williams & Co in relation to a potential inheritance claim.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a copy of a letter which has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of a genuine firm and solicitor (see details below) in relation to a potential inheritance claim.

The letter was sent from an individual called 'Akin Williams', claiming to be a barrister at the genuine firm. The recipient was advised that they will receive 50% of the funds in relation to the inheritance claim and was asked to email 'akinwilliams044@gmail.com.'

Any business or transaction through the above email address 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 A Williams & Co, and a genuine solicitor, Akin Williams, who is the firm's principal. The firm's head office address is 33 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0PW. The genuine firm uses the email domain @williams-law.org.

A Williams & Co and Akin Williams have confirmed that they do not have any 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.