Alerts

Warning: Telephone calls and WhatsApp messages misusing the name Alex Chadwick

21 June 2021

Telephone calls and WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the name Alex Chadwick of Baker & McKenzie LLP

What is the scam?

We understand that telephone calls and WhatsApp messages have been sent to a member of the public claiming to be from 'Alex Chadwick' of Baker & McKenzie LLP in London (see below in relation to the genuine firm and solicitor).

The WhatsApp messages also misuse the name of Jonathan Hoffman of Baker & McKenzie LLP in New York.

The message seen by the SRA appears to have been sent from telephone number '+1 (213) 205 5847' and is offering the recipient assistance to recover monies held in escrow.

Any business or transactions through the telephone number '+1 (213) 205 5847' are not undertaken by a solicitor's practice authorised and regulated by the SRA or by an 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 Baker & McKenzie LLP.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Alex Chadwick who is a partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP in London.

The genuine telephone number for Baker & McKenzie LLP is 020 791 91000.

Jonathan Hoffman is an Associate at Baker & McKenzie LLP in New York with the telephone number +1 212 626 4576.

The genuine firm of Baker & McKenzie LLP has confirmed that neither it nor the genuine solicitor, Alex Chadwick, and Associate, Jonathan Hoffman, have any intended connection to the telephone calls and WhatsApp messages 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.