Alerts
Warning: Document purporting to be prepared by 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP'
8 February 2023
A 'Last Will and Testament' document has been created purporting to be prepared by 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP'.
What is the scam?
The SRA has seen a document titled 'Last Will and Testament', which purports to be prepared by 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP', providing a supposed address of '65 St Johns Road, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 2QS' and a telephone number '02078242919'. The name is similar, but different, to the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
The final page of the document appears to be witnessed by individuals using the names 'Sandra Holiday' and 'Ker Waddington' (or possibly 'Kev' or 'Ken' Waddington'). The copy we have seen shows 'Sandra Holiday' claiming to be a solicitor, with the status claimed by 'Mr Waddington' being unclear.
The SRA does not authorise or regulate any solicitors called 'Sandra Holiday' (or 'Ker', 'Ken' or 'Kev' Waddington). Nor does it authorise or regulate a firm called 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP' (but see below).
Any business or transaction through 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP', 'Sandra Holiday' or 'Ker', 'Kev' or 'Ken' Waddington is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA has seen a document titled 'Last Will and Testament', which purports to be prepared by 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP', providing a supposed address of '65 St Johns Road, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 2QS' and a telephone number '02078242919'. The name is similar, but different, to the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
The final page of the document appears to be witnessed by individuals using the names 'Sandra Holiday' and 'Ker Waddington' (or possibly 'Kev' or 'Ken' Waddington'). The copy we have seen shows 'Sandra Holiday' claiming to be a solicitor, with the status claimed by 'Mr Waddington' being unclear.
The SRA does not authorise or regulate any solicitors called 'Sandra Holiday' (or 'Ker', 'Ken' or 'Kev' Waddington). Nor does it authorise or regulate a firm called 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP' (but see below).
Any business or transaction through 'Gibsons Youngs Solicitors LLP', 'Sandra Holiday' or 'Ker', 'Kev' or 'Ken' Waddington is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor 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.