Alerts

Warning: Letter falsely claiming to be from James Button & Co

27 November 2024

A letter has been sent falsely claiming to be from James Button & Co

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a letter has been sent falsely claiming to be from an employee of James Button & Co. The employee named on the letter is James Dornan. The address detailed on the letter is McMillan House, Kensington WS1.

The letter misuses the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (please see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called James Button & Co with the SRA ID: 197525. The firm's address is 7 Devonshire Drive, Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2HB

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a person called James Dornan.

James Button & Co has confirmed that it does not employ anyone with the name of James Dornan, and it does not have an office located in London. It has no connection with the letter detailed 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.