Document misusing the name of Ashraf Legal Limited

Warning: Document misusing the name of Ashraf Legal Limited

15 September 2022

A document or business card claiming that Ashraf Legal Limited provides advice on 'Forex & Binary Fraud'.

What is the scam?

A member of the public has received a document that falsely misuses the name and address of a genuine solicitor and his firm, and the SRA identification number of the firm (see below).

The document seen by the SRA looks like a copy of a business card sent via a telephone messaging service, which claims that the firm and solicitor provide services relating to ‘Forex & Binary Fraud’ and ‘Anti-money laundering’ matters. 

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Khorum Ashraf, who is a Director at Ashraf Legal Limited of 29 Arundel Road Luton LU4 8DY.

The company was authorised as an authorised firm, and has an SRA ID of 803621, but Mr Ashraf has confirmed that it has not yet begun trading.  

The genuine Khorum Ashraf of Ashraf Legal Limited has confirmed that neither he nor his company has any genuine connection to the document referred to in the above alert, and they do not deal with ‘Forex & Binary Fraud’ matters.

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.