Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Jihad Al Najjar

27 October 2025

WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the name and details of a genuine solicitor.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen WhatsApp messages sent to a member of the public purporting to be from a genuine solicitor (see genuine details below).

The WhatsApp messages seen by the SRA are in Arabic and offer the recipient legal assistance with the recovery of funds lost on fraudulent trading platforms. The recipient of the messages was asked to pay a fee of $1,000 US dollars to the sender for the provision of this legal assistance.  

The messages misused both the name and SRA number of the genuine solicitor. The messages were sent from the phone number '+44 7464 721 589'.

Any business or transaction through the messages described above or the phone number '+44 7464 721 589' 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 Jihad Al Najjar, whose SRA number is 648901. The genuine solicitor is employed by the firm of solicitors Ansham White Limited and London Law Chambers Ltd.

The genuine solicitor Jihad Al Najjar has confirmed that they have no connection to the messages or phone number 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.