Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of RWK Goodman LLP

17 July 2024

A letter has been sent misusing the name and details of RWK Goodman LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a member of the public has received a letter falsely claiming to be 'stamped' by a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The letter requests the recipient to attend court in relation to an inheritance claim matter and claims to be sent by an individual called 'Barrister Victoria Prentis' of RWK Goodman LLP. The letter also misuses the address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The letter seen by the SRA is marked with a 'stamp' that misuses the name and former letterhead of the genuine firm.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate an individual called 'Victoria Prentis'.

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 firm of solicitors called RWK Goodman LLP.

The genuine firm has a branch office at 69 Carter Lane, London, EC4V 5EQ.

The genuine firm RWK Goodman LLP has confirmed that it does not employ an individual called 'Victoria Prentis' nor does it have any genuine connection to the stamp or document 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.