Alerts

Warning: Letter and documents purporting to be from Larken & Co Solicitors

9 July 2025

A letter and a High Court Order purporting to be sent from Larken & Co Solicitors.

What is the scam?

A letter purporting to be from Larken & Co Solicitors enclosing a fraudulent High Court 'Freezing Order' has been sent to the client of another genuine firm of solicitors.

The SRA have seen a letter purporting to be from Larken & Co Solicitors which misuses the logo and the address of the head office of the firm. However, there are several inconsistencies in the letter purporting to be from Larken & Co Solicitors including a misspelling of the firms name in the footer of the letter as 'Karken and Co'; the statement that 'Larken & Co is regulated by the Bar Standards Board – BSB entity number 181742'; the letter also does not state that the firm Larken and Co Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the SRA and does not include the firms SRA ID.

His Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service have also viewed a copy of the alleged High Court 'Freezing Order' that was enclosed with the letter purporting to be from Larken & Co Solicitors and have confirmed that this is not genuine.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Larken & Co Solicitors.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it has no connection to the above letter or enclosed document (see above).

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.