Alerts

Warning: Document misusing the name of Farrer & Co

2 August 2023

A document has been sent misusing the name of Farrer & Co.

What is the scam?

A document had been sent to a member of the public using the names 'Farrer & Co' and 'Farrer & Co Law Firm'.

The document seen by the SRA is described as a 'guarantee certificate' and refers to a fee of '730 pound sterling'. A logo which consists of the words 'Farrer & Co' in white against a square black background is positioned on the top centre of the document and the document also describes 'Farrer & Co Law Firm' as 'our SURETY / GUARANTOR' elsewhere in the text.

Any business or transactions through 'Farrer & Co Law Firm' 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 Farrer & Co LLP, which trades as Farrer & Co.

The genuine firm has confirmed it has no connection to the document 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.