Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp business account misusing the name of 'Britannia Solicitors Ltd'

25 September 2022

WhatsApp business account misusing the name of 'Britannia Solicitors Ltd' claiming to carry out immigration work.

What is the scam?

A 'WhatsApp business account' using a telephone number of '+44 7459 043534' is misusing the name and postal address of a genuine firm of solicitors claiming to carry out immigration work.

The SRA has also seen a document titled 'Client Care Letter (Online)' which claims that an individual called 'Armand Schultz' with be the adviser, and also gives the telephone number '+44 7459 043534'

The SRA understands that the email address of 'Armand.britannialaw@hotline.com' has also been used.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor called Armand Schultz.

Any business or transaction through the telephone number '+44 7459 043534' or the email address 'Armand.britannialaw@hotline.com' are not undertaken by a solicitors' practice or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Britannia Solicitors Ltd whose genuine address is  53 York Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3AD. Their genuine  telephone number is 0208  9118881 and their genuine  email domain ends with @britanniasolicitors.com.

The genuine firm Britannia Solicitors Ltd has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the WhatsApp account or client care letter 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.