Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages falsely purporting to be associated with Connaught Law Ltd

17 July 2025

WhatsApp messages have been sent purporting to be from 'Arsal Amjad Hashmi' who claims to be associated with Connaught Law Ltd.

What is the scam?

A member of the public has received WhatsApp messages from an individual named Arsal Amjad Hashmi regarding the provision of UK immigration legal services. The individual claimed to have a 'Memorandum of Understanding' with the genuine SRA authorised and regulated firm Connaught Law Ltd (see details below).

The WhatsApp messages seen by the SRA have been sent from an individual named Arsal Amjad Hashmi from the phone number + 92 302 8568 008. The individual claims in the messages seen by the SRA that he has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with Connaught Law Ltd and that his firm 'Hashmi Law Associates' will be working as a 'liaison office for Connaught Law in Pakistan for UK immigration'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor called Arsal Amjad Hashmi.

The SRA also does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called Hashmi Law Associates.

Any business or transaction through Arsal Amjad Hashmi, Hashmi Law Associates or through the phone number + 92 302 8568 008 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 firm of solicitors called Connaught Law Ltd. The firms genuine contact number is 02039 098 399

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that they have is no connection to the individual named Arsal Amjad Hashmi, the contact details and messages referred to in this 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.