Alerts

Warning: An invoice has been sent purporting to be from 'Mr Jan Allacs' of 'Malik and Malik Solicitors'

26 September 2024

A receipted invoice has been sent purporting to be from 'Mr Jan Allacs' of 'Malik and Malik Solicitors' and giving the impression that the receipt has been settled by a third party.

What is the scam?

The invoice relating to legal work and is purportedly from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The letter gives the following contact details:

  • Address: 28 Thamesbank Place, London, SE28 8PR
  • Tel: 07553211636
  • Email: diana.behinetz@gmail.com

Any business or transaction through the aforementioned contact details is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

The SRA does not authorise and regulate an individual named 'Mr Jan Allacs'. The genuine firm of solicitors confirmed that does not employ an individual named 'Mr Jan Allacs'.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Malik & Malik Ltd trading as Malik and Malik Solicitors (SRA ID 567666).

The genuine firm's address is 234- 236 High Road, London, NW10 2NX, England and telephone number is 020 8830 3050. All emails from the firm use the domains @lawyer.com and malikandmalik.co.uk.

The genuine firm has confirmed that it has no connection to the invoice 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.