Zuko Komisa

Avoid being a victim of legal fraud: How to spot fake legal practitioners.
Let’s face it, no one wants to fall prey to legal fraud. Every day fraudsters are coming up with new and innovative ways to swindle unsuspecting citizens.
Even if you believe it would never happen, there are numerous reports of persons impersonating lawyers. You wouldn’t want to invest your hard-earned money in someone who doesn’t have a law degree, as you could assume.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to the CEO of the Legal Practice Council, Charity Nzuza, and Senior Legal Officer at LPC, Kholofelo Masedi about bogus legal practitioners and how the public can equip themselves and not fall prey to them.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
How do you authenticate a lawyer is legitimate?
Nzuza, shared that Attorneys and advocates in South Africa are listed on the practising roster at the Legal Practice Council in accordance with the Legal Practice Act, 2014.
“If you are allowed to be an attorney or advocate you should be registered with the LPC (The Legal Practice Council) that is the first requirement. If we apply to the High Court to have you struck off the roll, it is communicated in the local newspaper. Where an attorney is practicing the community needs to be notified. The information is also immediately available on the LPC website.” said Charity Nzuza, and Senior Legal Officer at LPC,
The panel also discussed different scenarios for clients seeking legal help and avenues to consider should they find themselves being scammed.
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To locate an attorney, verify that an attorney is on the practicing roll, or verify that an attorney is in possession of a Fidelity Fund Certificate, get in touch with the appropriate regional office of the Legal Practice Council.
For attorneys in:
Gauteng, North-West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (012) 338 5800
Free State:
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (051) 447 3237
KwaZulu-Natal:
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (033) 345 1304
Western, Eastern and Northern Cape:
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (021) 443 6700.
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