Alerts

Warning: Warning: Stamped document misusing the name ‘Farleys Solicitors LLP’

29 February 2024

A document has been stamped misusing the name ‘Farleys Solicitors LLP’ and a signature purporting to be of ‘Desmond Draper’.

What is the scam?

An energy supplier has received lease documentation that is falsely purporting to have been stamped and signed by 'Desmond Draper' of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The stamp used misuses the name, and address of a genuine firm of solicitors.

The SRA has also been advised that the energy company received a call from an individual claiming to be 'James Thomas' from the telephone number '0203 9061 174' stating they were from the genuine firm of solicitors.

Any business or transaction through the telephone number '0203 9061 174' is not believed to be undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Farleys Solicitors LLP. Its head office address is 22-27 Richmond Terrace, Blackburn, BB1 7AF.

Desmond Draper was previously a partner at Farleys Solicitors LLP but is no longer on the roll.

The SRA authorises and regulates a number of solicitors called James Thomas, none of whom are thought to have any connection to the scam referred to above.

The genuine firm of Farleys Solicitors LLP has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the matter, the stamped documentation, the telephone number or ‘James Thomas’ 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.