Alerts

Warning: Letter falsely claiming to be from Michael Rabbett of Buckles Solicitors LLP

14 November 2023

A letter has falsely claimed to be from Michael Rabbett of Buckles Solicitors LLP, in relation to a supposed verification of tenant occupancy.

What is the scam?

A letter has been sent falsely claiming to be from Michael Christopher Rabbett of Buckles Solicitors LLP.  The document seen by the SRA carries a supposed letterhead of 'Buckles Solicitors', using a blue logo, and is headed 'Verification of Tenant Ocupancy' (sic).  The letter supposedly confirmed the existence of a tenancy.

The document misuses the name of a genuine solicitor and the name, address, website, SRA ID number of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction being carried out through letterheads of 'Buckles Solicitors', as described above, 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 Buckles Solicitors LLP. The firm has a branch office at Fifth Floor Castle Heights 72 Maid Marian Way Nottingham NG1 6BJ. The genuine SRA ID for that branch office is 615386. The website for the firm is at www.buckles-law.co.uk and the firm now trades as Buckles (rather than as 'Buckles Solicitors').

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Michael Rabbett who is a member of Buckles Solicitors LLP.

The genuine firm Buckles Solicitors LLP and Michael Rabbett have confirmed they do not have any genuine connection to the letter 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.