Alerts

Warning: Stamped document misusing the name ‘Markand & Co Solicitors LLP’

13 February 2024

A document has been stamped misusing the name 'Markand & Co Solicitors LLP’ and a signature purporting to be of ‘Smita Oza’.

What is the scam?

An energy supplier has received lease documentation, relating to the transfer of a commercial lease, that is falsely purporting to have been stamped and signed by 'Smita Oza' of 'Markand & Co Solicitors LLP'.

The stamp that has been used misuses the name, address, website and SRA ID of a genuine firm of solicitors and the purported 'signature' of a genuine solicitor (see below).

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Markand & Co Solicitors LLP. Its address is 6-8 Woodford Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 0HA and its SRA ID is 572665. Its website is http://markandsolicitors.co.uk.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Smita Oza, who is a partner at the genuine firm Markand & Co Solicitors LLP. Her SRA ID is 382202.

The genuine firm Markand & Co Solicitors LLP has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine Smita Oza have any connection to the particular stamp, 'signature' or stamped document 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.