Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of Freeths LLP

14 October 2022

A letter has been sent purporting to be from Freeths LLP in relation to a supposed leasehold agreement.

What is the scam?

A letter has been sent from an individual called 'Mark Vardy' purporting to be from Freeths LLP in relation to a supposed leasehold agreement. The letter was sent from a Hotmail email account.

The letter misuses the name, logo and address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a solicitor called 'Mark Vardy'.

Any business or transaction through 'Mark Vardy' is not undertaken by a solicitors' practice 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 Freeths LLP. The firm has a branch office at Cumberland Court 80 Mount Street Nottingham NG1 6HH.

The genuine firm Freeths LLP confirmed they do not have any connection to the letter above.

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.