Regulator warns of an inheritance scam misusing a solicitor’s name and an unauthorised firm
Solicitors Regulation Authority has issued a warning after identifying correspondence linked to an alleged inheritance scam that falsely claims to be from a law firm called “Archibald Law Office”.
According to the regulator, a letter has been circulated by an individual purporting to be Stephen Archibald. The correspondence is said to misuse the name of a genuine solicitor and to falsely present itself as originating from a regulated law firm. The SRA understands the letter relates to an inheritance scam.
The regulator said it has been informed that recipients of the letter were asked to respond using the email addresses stephenarchibaldjd@outlook.com and info@archibaldlawca.com. The letter also included a telephone number, +1-226-784-4996, and listed an address at 206 Pembina Rd, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. In addition, the correspondence provided a link to a website using the domain www.archibaldlawca.com.
The SRA confirmed that it does not authorise or regulate any firm named “Archibald Law Office”. It said any business or transaction conducted through the contact details provided in the letter is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised or regulated by the SRA.
The regulator also clarified that there is a genuine firm and individual whose details have been misused. The SRA authorises and regulates Blake Morgan LLP, which is registered under SRA ID 613715. The firm uses the email domain @blakemorgan.co.uk and is headquartered at Queens House, New Kings Court, Tollgate, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Southampton.
The SRA further confirmed that it authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor, Stephen Archibald, who is a partner at Blake Morgan LLP and is registered under SRA ID 19175.
Both Blake Morgan LLP and Stephen Archibald have confirmed that they have no connection to the correspondence referred to in the warning and no association with the purported firm or contact details cited in the letter.
The SRA advised that where a firm’s or individual’s identity has been copied or cloned, recipients should exercise caution and carry out appropriate due diligence. It said anyone receiving correspondence claiming to be from the named firm or individual, or of a similar nature, should verify its authenticity by contacting the law firm directly using established and reliable contact details.
The regulator added that members of the public can contact the SRA to check whether a firm or individual is authorised and regulated, and to verify practising details. It said additional checks, including consulting public records such as company information and telephone directories, may also be necessary in some circumstances.