Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of Farrer & Co LLP

5 October 2023

A letter has been sent misusing the name of Farrer & Co LLP in relation to an attestation in relation to 'Professional Engagement Agreement' and 'Private Surety Bond' documents.

What is the scam?

A letter has been sent to a member of the public from an individual called 'David B.Affler' claiming to be a 'licensed attorney' at 'Farrer & Co' and providing a 'Letter of Attestation'.

The letter provides an email address of 'Daffler.esq@gmail.com'.

The letter misuses the name, address and SRA ID of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction undertaken through the email address of 'Daffler.esq@gmail.com' on behalf of 'Farrer & Co' is not undertaken by a genuine solicitor or firm.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Farrer & Co LLP. The SRA ID of the firm is 447822. The firm email domain ends with @farrer.co.uk.

The genuine firm Farrer & Co LLP has confirmed they do not have any connection with 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.