Alerts

Warning: Statement falsely claiming to be from Freeths LLP

28 July 2024

A statement has been sent falsely claiming to be from Freeths LLP

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a statement has been sent to the Seoul Family Court in South Korea, claiming to be from the Oxford, UK office of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The letter is in response to an enquiry regarding the likelihood of a UK court recognising a Korean court's ruling on property division in the context of divorce.

The statement misuses the name and branch office address of a genuine firm of solicitors.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Freeths LLP. It has a branch office address at 5700, Oxford Business Park South, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 2RW.  

The genuine firm of Freeths LLP has confirmed it has no connection to the statement 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.