Alerts

Warning: Correspondence sent from ‘Shoaib Solicitors’ in relation to immigration advice

25 January 2023

Correspondence sent or made by someone purporting to be from ‘Shoaib Solicitors’.

What is the scam?

A member of the public has received correspondence from an individual claiming to be from 'Shoaib Solicitors' in relation to supposedly progressing their immigration matter.

The document seen by the SRA provides an address for 'Shoaib Solicitors' of '1 Nestle Avenue, Hayes, UB3 4UZ', a telephone number of '02033934719' and an email address of pntgroup@btinternet.com. The SRA has also been informed that the telephone number 07936 808000 was also used in communications about the matter.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate a firm called 'Shoaib Solicitors'.

Any business or transaction through the email address or the telephone numbers referred to above is 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 genuine firm called Capital One Services Solicitors Limited whose head office is based in Slough but who operate a branch 'virtual office' from Access House, 1 Nestle Avenue, Hayes UB3 4UZ. The genuine firm has confirmed that it has no connection to the 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.