Alerts

Warning: 'Aladala Law Office' claiming to be a law firm based in London

7 July 2022

A document has been sent from 'Aladala Law Office' claiming to be law firm based in London.

What is the scam?

A member of the public has received a document from an individual using the name 'Rashed Nayef Hassan' and misusing the SRA number of a genuine solicitor with a very similar name (see below).  The document claims to be from a law firm called 'Aladala Law Office' based in 'Baker Street 120 Baker Street London W1U 6TU'. 

The document seen by the SRA is in Arabic but is understood to relate to a purported foreign exchange transaction in Saudi Arabia. 

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Aladala Law Office' or a solicitor called 'Rashed Nayef Hassan' (but see below for a genuine solicitor with a similar name).

Any business or transactions through 'Aladala Law Office' is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Rashed Hasan, whose SRA identification number is 415847.  The genuine Mr Hasan works for JP Morgan Chase. It is believed he has no genuine connection to the documents 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.