Alerts

Warning: Card claiming to be a Law Society of Scotland ‘Smartcard’ misusing the name 'Rabah Saadeddine'

28 September 2021

Fraudulent ID card misusing the name and photograph of Rabah Saadeddine

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a card falsely claiming to be a Smartcard affiliated to the Law Society of Scotland for ‘Rabah Saadeddine’ has been presented to a member of the public.

The card misuses the name and photograph of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Rabah Saadeddine, who is an English qualified solicitor.

The genuine solicitor has confirmed that he does not have any connection to the ID card referred to 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.