Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages and an Instagram account misusing the name and SRA number of AJO Solicitors

19 May 2026

WhatsApp messages and an Instagram account misusing the name and SRA number of AJO Solicitors.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an Instagram account has misused the name and SRA number of AJO Solicitors. The Instagram account provides telephone numbers 01513196941 and 07927367431.

The SRA has been advised that an Instagram account has been created https://www.instagram.com/ajo_solicitors, falsely claiming to be for a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The telephone number 07927367431 has been seen sending WhatsApp messages purporting to be from 'Ahad Tabrizi' in relation to an immigration matter.

The SRA has also seen payments relating to this matter being sent to a bank account for 'Ahad.R Jahandari'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor named 'Ahad Tabrizi' or 'Ahad.R Jahandari'.

Any business or transactions through the Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/ajo_solicitors, telephone number 07927367431 or bank account above is not undertaken by an individual or firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called AJO Solicitors (SRA number 565207). The genuine telephone is 01513196941 and the genuine email domain is @ajosolicitors.co.uk.

The genuine firm AJO Solicitors has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the Instagram account referred to in the above alert and they do not have an Instagram account.

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.