Alerts

Warning: Email and telephone call from 'John McAllister' purporting to be from CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

26 May 2026

An email has been sent and telephone call made to a member of the public from 'John McAllister', who is purporting to be from CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP in relation to the recovery of cryptocurrency.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent and a telephone call made to a member of the public purporting to be from an employee of a genuine firm of solicitors (see genuine firm's details below).

The email was sent and call made by an individual purporting to be 'John McAllister' of CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, who claimed to be able help with the recovery of cryptocurrency.

The email was sent from 'info@legalcms.online', quotes the telephone number '+44 1588 290781', WhatsApp contact number '+44 7346 319209' and the email address 'john.mcallister1332@gmail.com'. The email also provides a link to the genuine firm's website.

Any business or transaction through the above contact details 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 CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP (SRA ID 423370). The genuine firm uses the email domain @cms-cmno.com and telephone number 0207 367 3000.

The genuine firm of CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the email or telephone call referred to in the above alert and it does not employ a member of staff named 'John McAllister'.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine Registered Foreign Lawyer named John McAllister (SRA ID 495683). The genuine John McAllister has confirmed he has no connection to the email or telephone call 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.