Alerts

Warning: Fraudulent website in relation to AF Barker & Co

5 March 2024

A website at 'https://afbarco.com' is operating, falsely claiming to be for AF Barker & Co.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a website at 'https://afbarco.com' which is operating and falsely claiming to be for a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The website misuses the postal address of the genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The website also misuses the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The website provides a telephone number of '447404974962'.

Any business or transactions through 'https://afbarco.com' or the telephone number of '447404974962' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises a genuine solicitor called Marco Casotti, who is a solicitor at the genuine firm AF Barker & Co. The genuine firm's telephone number is 01442 863 336. The genuine firm does not have a website.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, nor its genuine Marco Casotti has any connection to the website 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.