Alerts

Warning: Documents misusing the name of Craig Stevenson and Ernst & Young LLP

20 August 2026

Documents have been sent misusing the name of Craig Stevenson and Ernst & Young LLP in relation to a supposed acquisition and a non-disclosure agreement.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen letters and a non-disclosure agreement which have been sent to several organisations misusing the name of a genuine solicitor and a genuine firm of solicitors (see below for details of the genuine firm and solicitor).

The letters are headed 'Executive Mandate – Strategic Acquisition' and state that 'Ernst & Young LLP' is the chosen firm to act as lead adviser for the acquisition. The letters also state that 'Craig Stevenson' will be legal counsel and provide the email addresses (craig.stevenson@ey-corporates.com) and (craig.stevenson@ey-corp.com), and WhatsApp phone numbers (+44 7576 126147) and (+44 7537 131956).

Any business or transaction through the above documents, email addresses and phone numbers 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 Ernst & Young LLP (SRA ID 614947). The genuine firm's email domain is @uk.ey.com and contact number is 02079512000.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Craig Stevenson (SRA ID 488892) who is a solicitor at Ernst & Young LLP.

Ernst & Young LLP and Craig Stevenson have confirmed that they do not have any connection to the documents 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.