Alerts

Warning: Correspondence from 'Sarah Smith Solicitors'

8 May 2023

Correspondence has been sent from 'Sarah Smith Solicitors' in relation to an inheritance claim.

What is the scam?

Correspondence has been sent from ‘Sarah Smith Solicitors’ referring to an inheritance claim.

The SRA has seen letters purportedly from ‘Sarah Smith Solicitors’ that misuse the SRA ID number of a genuine solicitor (see below). The letter relates to a supposed inheritance claim and confirms the transfer of an estate. The letters include the telephone numbers of ‘+44(0) 753 717 1704’ and ‘+44(0) 203 393 0771’, a fax number of ‘+44 (0) 20-79071463’ and postal address of 5-10 St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AL. The letters misuse the address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The letters also contain a stamp for ‘Sarah Smith Solicitors’ that misuses the SRA ID number of a genuine solicitor.   

The SRA has also seen an ID card that misuses the name and SRA number of the genuine solicitor.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called ‘Sarah Smith Solicitors.’

Any business or transactions done through ‘Sarah Smith Solicitors,’ the telephone numbers of ‘+44(0) 753 717 1704’ and +44(0) 203 393 0771 and the fax number of ‘+44 (0) 20-79071463' are not authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Thompsons Solicitors LLP with a London Office at 5-10 St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AL.   

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Sarah Smith whose SRA number is 493116.

The genuine firm of Thompsons Solicitors LLP and Sarah Smith have confirmed that they have no connection to the documents and ‘stamp’ referred to 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.