Alerts

Warning: A document has been sent falsely claiming to be signed by Richard Vaux of Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co

30 July 2026

A stamped statutory declaration has been sent to an electricity company, falsely claiming to be signed by Richard Vaux of Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co and misusing its name and details.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a stamped statutory declaration which was sent to an electricity company misusing the details of a genuine solicitor and firm (see below) and misusing their name and stamp.

The document claims to be signed by Richard Vaux and shows the stamps 'Richard Vaux, Solicitor, Vaux Fletcher Solicitors, 14-16 Baker Street, Middlesborough, TS1 2LH, T 01642 222834'.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor named Richard Vaux (SRA ID 189668). Richard Vaux is a partner at Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co (SRA number 667527). The genuine firms head office address is 14-16 Baker Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 2LH. The genuine telephone number is 01642222834.

Vaux Fletcher Solicitors incorporating Gary Johnson & Co has confirmed that it has no connection to the 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.