Alerts

Warning: Social media accounts misusing the name of 'Akhmed Yakoob'

28 March 2024

Social media accounts have been created falsely claiming to be for a solicitor called 'Akhmed Yakoob'.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that social media accounts have been created falsely claiming to be for a genuine solicitor (see below).

Messages have been sent from the TikTok account 'Akhmed_Yakoob' and a Telegram account of 'AkhmedYakoob1'. Emails have also been received from the email address 'mauriceandrewssolicitors1@gmail.com'.

Any business or transactions through the above social media accounts, or the email address 'mauriceandrewssolicitors1@gmail.com' is 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 solicitor called Akhmed Yakoob who is a solicitor at Maurice Andrews Solicitors Ltd. Emails from the genuine firm use the domain '@mauriceandandrewssolicitors.co.uk'.

Akhmed Yakoob has confirmed that neither him nor the genuine firm of Maurice Andrews Solicitors Ltd have any connection to the messages emanating from the accounts 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.