Alerts
Warning: Letter misusing the name of 'Gunnercooke LLP'
11 November 2024
A letter has been sent misusing the name of 'Gunnercooke LLP' in relation to tenancy matters
What is the scam?
A letter has been sent falsely claiming to be from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below). The letter relates to a specific premise address and confirms that a lease agreement was executed. The SRA understands the letter was sent to confirm that a legitimate change of tenancy has occurred and purports to be from a genuine solicitor (see below).
The letter misuses the name, address, website and SRA number of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
Any business or transaction through the above mentioned letter is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Gunnercooke LLP. The genuine firm has a branch office at 2 -10 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1RE, Scotland. Its genuine website is www.gunnercooke.com and the SRA number for the genuine firm’s head office is 546420.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Darryl Cooke, who is employed at the genuine firm.
The genuine firm Gunnercooke LLP has confirmed that neither it nor its Darryl Cooke have any connection to the 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.