Alerts

Warning: Stamped document misusing the name of Maya & Co Solicitors Limited

5 September 2023

A 'stamped' document has been seen misusing the name of Maya & Co Solicitors Limited.

What is the scam?

A stamped document described as a 'Deed of change of name' has been signed and stamped by individuals claiming to be associated with a genuine firm. The stamp on the document misuses the name and address of a genuine firm (see below).

The document refers to the change of name of an individual. It purports to have been witnessed by Tariq Ayub and Hameed Shah. The SRA understands that individuals using the names Tariq Ayub and Hameed Shah have claimed to be associates of the genuine firm. The genuine firm have advised that is has no association with any individual by those names.

Any business or transactions through individuals by the names 'Tariq Ayub' and 'Hameed Shah' claiming to be associated with the genuine firm are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Maya & Co Solicitors Limited. Its head office address is 434 Foleshill Road, Coventry, CV6 5JX.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither it nor any of its employees have any genuine and intended connection to the document referred to in the above alert.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate any solicitors by the names of Tariq Ayub and Hameed Shah.

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.