Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of Woodroffes Solicitors

25 January 2024

A letter has been sent misusing the name of Woodroffes Solicitors, in relation to purportedly providing proof of client funds.

What is the scam?

A letter has been sent misusing the name of Woodroffes Solicitors.  The SRA has seen a letter purporting to be from 'Steven Sarpong' of Woodroffes Solicitors. The letter claims to confirm two purported clients' funds and we understand it was provided to an estate agent.

The letter misuses the name, address and telephone number of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).  The genuine firm has confirmed that it has never employed anyone named 'Steven Sarpong'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate any genuine solicitors named 'Steven Sarpong' and any business or transaction through 'Steven Sarpong' is not undertaken by an individual authorised by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Woodroffes Solicitors.

Woodroffes Solicitors is based at 7 Beeston Place, Belgravia, London SW1W 0JJ and its genuine telephone number is (0)20 7730 0001.  The firm has confirmed that it does 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.