Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp message and telephone call misusing the name of Ward & Rider Ltd and Mohammad Abdullah

23 September 2026

A telephone call has been made and WhatsApp message sent misusing the name of Ward & Rider Ltd in relation to the recovery of funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a WhatsApp message sent to a member of the public purporting to be from 'Mohammad Abdullah' of 'Ward & Rider Ltd' (see genuine details below). The WhatsApp message uses the genuine logo for Ward & Rider Ltd and contains a picture ID for 'Mohammad Abdullah'. The message was sent from the contact number '+44 7362 714625'.

'Mohammad Abdullah' has also called the member of the public from the telephone number '+44 1339 264694' with regards to fund recovery.

Any business or transactions through WhatsApp using the contact number '+44 7362 714625' or calls using the telephone number '+44 1339 264694' is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorise and regulate a genuine firm of solicitors called Ward & Rider Ltd, whose SRA number is 532992. The genuine firm has confirmed that Mohammad Abdullah was an employee of the firm but no longer works there.

The genuine firm have also confirmed that they have no connection to the WhatsApp message or telephone call referred to in the above alert.

The SRA authorise and regulate a genuine solicitor called Mohammad Abdullah, whose SRA number is 608318. Mohammad Abdullah has confirmed that he has no connection to the WhatsApp message or telephone call 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.