Alerts

Warning: Stamped documents misusing the name of Wards Solicitors LLP

20 June 2024

Documents have been stamped misusing the name of Wards Solicitors LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a copy of a deed of surrender and a business lease which misuse the name of Wards Solicitors LLP.

The stamped document misuses the name, head office address and SRA ID of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

Any business or transaction undertaken with the stamp referred to above is not undertaken by a solicitors’ practice authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitors called Ward Solicitors LLP.

The head office address of the firm is 52 Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2EP and the SRA ID is 646117.

The genuine Wards Solicitors LLP has confirmed it has no connection to the documents 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.