Alerts

Warning: LinkedIn profile of 'Iftakar Rashid' misusing the name of Machins Solicitors LLP

23 August 2021

LinkedIn profile of Iftakar Rashid’ misusing the name of Machins Solicitors LLP

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed about a LinkedIn profile for an individual calling themselves 'Iftakar Rashid', claiming to be a 'Lawyer' at 'Machins' in Luton.

The profile misuses the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor called 'Iftakar Rashid' and the genuine firm have confirmed they do not employ such a person.

Any business undertaken through the above profile, or an individual claiming to be 'Iftakar Rashid', is not undertaken by a solicitor regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Machins Solicitors LLP, whose head office is based in Luton.

The genuine Machins Solicitors LLP has confirmed it does not employ an individual called Iftakar Rashid and has no connection to the profile 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.