Correspondence from "Harlequin Chambers Solicitors” or “Harlequin Attorneys & Associates"

Warning: Correspondence from "Harlequin Chambers Solicitors” or “Harlequin Attorneys & Associates"

26 April 2021

A letter has been sent from "Harlequin Chambers Solicitors / Harlequin Attorneys & Associates" in respect of an unclaimed inheritance.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a member of the public has received correspondence from someone claiming to be "Harlequin Chambers Solicitors" or "Harlequin Attorneys & Associates".

It relates to a supposedly unclaimed inheritance from an individual with a similar surname to the recipient of the correspondence and asks the recipient to return certain documents.

The letter gives the address Harlequin House, 7 High Street, Teddington, TW11 8EE, the telephone number 44 741 844 9186, fax number 44 845 874 2239 and the website "http://harlequinchambers.co.uk/"

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called "Harlequin Chambers Solicitors" or "Harlequin Attorneys & Associates".

Any business or transactions through "Harlequin Chambers Solicitors", "Harlequin Attorneys & Associates", or the contact details above are not undertaken by a solicitor's practice or by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

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.