Alerts

Warning: Stamped document misusing the name of Newgate Solicitors

2 March 2023

A document has been stamped misusing the name of Newgate Solicitors.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a document providing the execution clause of a lease has been 'stamped' by an individual purporting to be Mr Abas Dhami of Newgate Solicitors (see below).

The 'stamp' seen by the SRA misuses the name 'Newgate Solicitors' and provides the following address: 1a Galley House, Moon Lane, Barnet, En6 6YL.

Any business or transaction through the above address is not undertaken by a firm  authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Newgate Solicitors. The firm’s head office address is 3a Galley House, Moon Lane, Barnet, London, EN5 5YL.

The genuine firm uses a company stamp which includes tick-boxes for the person stamping the document unlike the stamp referred to above.

The SRA authorises a solicitor named Ashtar Abbas Dhami who is employed by Newgate Solicitors.

The genuine firm of Newgate Solicitors has confirmed that neither they or Mr Dhami have any genuine connection to the stamped document referred to.

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.