Alerts
Warning: Letters and emails misusing the name of Markand & Co Solicitors LLP and Haminder Singh Matharu
7 June 2024
Letters and emails have been sent misusing the name of Markand & Co Solicitors LLP and Haminder Singh Matharu in relation to property purchases.
What is the scam?
The SRA has seen emails purporting to be from Haminder Singh Matharu, a partner at Markand & Co Solicitors LLP, and letters allegedly sent by Markand & Co Solicitors LLP, which invite the recipients to transfer funds to Unique Services Ltd, Envi Ltd and Ahowes Ltd.
Letters and emails misuse the name, address, telephone and fax number of a genuine firm of solicitors, Markand & Co Solicitors LLP and the firm's partner Haminder Singh Matharu (see below). The genuine firm has confirmed that it has no relation to Unique Services Ltd, Envi Ltd and Ahowes Ltd.
The SRA does not authorise or regulate Unique Services Ltd, Envi Ltd and Ahowes Ltd.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Markand & Co Solicitors LLP, SRA ID 572665, which is based at 6-8 Woodford Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 0HA, England and its genuine telephone number is 020 8470 1422 and fax is 020 8471 9519
The genuine firm Markand & Co Solicitors LLP, SRA ID 572665, employs a staff member by the name of Haminder Singh Matharu, who is a partner. Haminder Singh Matharu, SRA ID 474963, is authorised and regulated by the SRA.
The firm and Haminder Singh Matharu have confirmed that they do not have any genuine connection to letters and emails 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.