Alerts

Warning: Signed document misusing the name of MJV & Co Solicitors Limited and Alan Thomas Vincent

27 June 2024

A signed document purporting to be a 'Verification of Tenant Occupancy' has been misusing the name of MJV & Co Solicitors Limited and Alan Thomas Vincent.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a signed document, purporting to be a 'Verification of Tenant Occupancy' for a property in Barrow-In-Furness, LA14 1PZ, is falsely claiming to be signed by a genuine firm and individual solicitor (see below for genuine details).

The document seen by the SRA carries a bogus letterhead that misuses the name of the genuine firm. The false signature misuses the name of Alan Thomas Vincent, a solicitor at the genuine firm.

The SRA understands that the documents were received by an energy company.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called MJV & Co Solicitors Limited (SRA ID 628426). The genuine firm’s address is 4 Bispham Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 1DG.

The genuine firm’s website is at www.mjvlaw.co.uk.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Alan Thomas Vincent (SRA ID 115636) who is currently a Director of MJV & Co Solicitors.

The genuine firm of MJV & Co Solicitors has confirmed neither itself, nor Alan Vincent, have any connection to the signature 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.