Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages misusing the name of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and emails misusing the name of a solicitor from Linklaters LLP

6 June 2025

WhatsApp messages and emails have been sent misusing the names of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and a solicitor from Linklaters LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that WhatsApp messages have been sent to a member of the public, purporting to be from someone employed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We are informed these messages related to the recovery of lost cryptocurrency.

The same member of the public was then contacted by email by the same person, misusing the name of a genuine solicitor from a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The WhatsApp messages were sent from the telephone number +447521 139 335 and emails were sent from the email domain ‘@blockeconomics.cc’.

Any business or transaction through the above telephone number or email domain is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a firm of solicitors called Linklaters LLP. The telephone number for its head office is 0207 456 2000 and its email domain is '@linklaters.com'.

The genuine firm of Linklaters LLP has confirmed it does not have any connection to the WhatsApp messages or 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.