Alerts

Warning: Letter misusing the name of Birketts LLP

26 February 2025

A letter has been sent to tenants of an accommodation block misusing the name of Birketts LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a letter purporting to be a formal notice of assignment has been sent to tenants of an accommodation block misusing the name, address and SRA ID of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The letter seen by the SRA advises the recipient that the previous landlord's interest in the property was transferred to a new landlord named Mr Michael Leach. The new landlord's address is provided as Little Dene, 4 Maxwell Drive, West Byfleet, KT14 6BZ. The telephone number of 07351 339520 and email address of michaelstevenleach@hotmail.com is also provided. The letter advises that all future payments of rent should be paid to the new landlord and contains bank details.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Birketts LLP, whose SRA ID is 441849. It has a branch office address of Brierly Place, New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0AP and telephone number is 01245 211211.

The genuine firm Birketts LLP has confirmed that it has no connection to the above letter.

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.