Alerts
Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of Arfan Omar Rashid and Rashid & Co Solicitors Ltd
24 September 2024
Correspondence has been sent misusing the name of Arfan Omar Rashid and Rashid & Co Solicitors Ltd.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that correspondence has been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor and firm (see below) in connection with the purported recovery of money related to Forex Trading.
A document seen by the SRA is titled 'Power of Attorney' and provides the following information. Telephone number '+442070304061', website 'www.alrashid-lawfirm.com'.
It is understood that the email address of 'official@alrashid-lawfirm.com' and the number '+44 207030 4065' were also provided.
Any business or transaction through any of the contact details above was 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 genuine firms of solicitors called Rashid & Co Solicitors Ltd and Rashid Law Ltd.
Rashid & Co Solicitors head office address is 401-401a Witton Road, Witton, Birmingham, B6 6SP. The firm uses the domain '@rashidandco.com' and its genuine website is 'www.rashidandco.com'.
The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Arfan Umar Rashid who is the owner of Rashid Law Ltd. Its head office address is Radclyffe House, 66-68 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 8PF. The firm uses the domain '@rashidlaw.co.uk' and its genuine website is 'www.rashidlaw.co.uk'.
The genuine firms of Rashid & Co Solicitors and Rashid Law Ltd, and the genuine Arfan Umar Rashid have confirmed they have no connection to the scam referred to in the alert above.
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.
More information
Update 30 October 2024
The SRA have been advised that a stamped document has been sent purporting to be from 'Imran Mahmod Rashid'.
The stamped document that was sent to a member of the public purports to relate to a tax matter. The recipient was asked to make payments in relation to tax charges. The letter also misuses the name of a genuine individual (please see below) and the genuine firms name (see above) and companies house number.
The SRA have also seen a document purporting to be a court document and refers to 'Mr John Edward' and 'Mr Imran Mahmod' as solicitors.
The SRA authorises and regulates an individual called Imran Mahmood Rashid who is an employee at the genuine firm of solicitors.
The genuine firm Rashid & Co Solicitors Ltd and the genuine Imran Mahmood Rashid have confirmed that they do not have any connection to the document referred to above.
The SRA authorises and regulates a number of individuals called John Edward and it is believed that they do not have any connection referred to above.