Alerts
Warning: Invoices misusing the name of M.Y Solicitors
9 August 2021
Invoices have been sent misusing the name of M.Y Solicitors.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been advised that invoices have been sent from an individual claiming to be called 'Khaled Abdullah' in respect of a supposedly 'legal advisory services'. The invoices seen by the SRA provide a bank account details for a bank based in Saudi Arabia.
One of the invoices provides a telephone contact number of '0044 141 628 6444'
The invoices misuse the name and postal address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).
A document attached with the invoice written in Arabic titled 'ADV M.Y ADVOCATE & NOTARY GOVERNOR OF COMMERCE LICENSE NO.515418' has also been sent, misusing the SRA identification of a genuine firm of solicitor (see below)
The SRA also understands that an individual called 'Maria Patel' who is believed to be connected to 'Khaled Abdullah' has made contact with a member of the public through messaging using the mobile numbers of '+447380 318725' and '+447380 336821'.
The SRA does not authorise or regulate any individuals called Khaled Abdullah or Maria Patel.
Any business or transactions through the above telephone numbers is not undertaken by a solicitor's practice or an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA does authorise and regulate a genuine firm of solicitors called M.Y Solicitors. The registered office for the genuine firm is at Laxton House 191 Lincoln Road Peterborough PE1 2PN, and its genuine telephone number is 01733563344. The firm’s genuine SRA number is 515418.
M.Y Solicitors has confirmed they have no connection to the invoices, documents and messages referred to in the alert 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.