Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of 'Oliver Blundell' and 'Farrer & Co LLP'

5 March 2024

A letter has been sent misusing the name of 'Oliver Blundell' and 'Farrer & Co LLP' in relation to a purported outstanding debt.

What is the scam?

A letter has been sent that falsely purports to have been prepared and signed by 'Oliver Blundell' of 'Farrer & Co LLP'.

The letter seen by the SRA relates to a purported outstanding debt and makes a request for payment.

The letter misuses the name, logo and address of the genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The letter also misuses the signature of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Farrer & Co LLP whose head office address is 66 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LH.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Oliver Blundell.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it, nor its genuine Oliver Blundell has any connection to the signature or 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.