Alerts

Warning: 'Certificate of SRA Authorization' for 'David Joseph White'

2 October 2022

A ‘Certificate of SRA Authorization’ for an individual called ‘David Joseph White’ claiming to be lawyer.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been provided with  a document claiming to be 'Certificate of SRA Authorization' for an individual called 'David Joseph White' claiming to be lawyer. 

The Certificate claims to approve 'David White' as 'Lawyer and active investigator'.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a solicitor called 'David Joseph White' (see below.)

Any business or transaction through an individual called 'David Joseph White' 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 several genuine solicitors called David White.

It is believed none of the genuine solicitors called 'David White’ are connected to the 'Certificate of Authorization 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.