Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the names of Mohammed Ayub Sadiq and Mohammed Sadiq

8 August 2024

WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the name of Mohammed Sadiq and Mohammed Ayub Sadiq in relation to recovering funds lost in a trading company.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a member of public has been sent several WhatsApp messages falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor (see below) in relation to recovering funds lost in a trading company.

The WhatsApp messages were sent from the number '+44 7503 417010'.

One of the WhatsApp messages contained an attachment which is a document written in Arabic. The document purports to be sent from 'Lawyer Dr Mohammed Ayub Sadiq' 'Sunshine Cereals Limited 03988339' and provides a website address of 'www.mohammadsadiqdv.com' however the website is not active. It also provides telephone numbers of '+44 7503 417010. ' and '+44 20 3807 5799'.

The document misuses the name, SRA ID and partial postal address of a genuine solicitor. It also purports to have been stamped by the genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transactions through the numbers '+44 7503 417010' and '+44 20 3807 5799' and the website 'www.mohammadsadiqdv.com' are not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Mohammed Ayub Sadiq who is a Freelance Solicitor. His SRA ID is 159891. The SRA regulates his freelance practice under the name of Mohammed Sadiq under SRA ID 815939. The head office is 62 Tunstall Drive Accrington Lancashire BB5 5DG.

Mohammed Ayub Sadiq has confirmed that he does not have any connection to the WhatsApp messages and its attachments 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.