Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Amy Nicole McGinn

21 February 2023

WhatsApp messages have been sent to members of the public claiming to be connected with Amy Nicole McGinn relating to a supposed foreign acquisition.

What is the scam?

WhatsApp messages have been sent to members of the public claiming to be connected with Amy Nicole McGinn relating to a supposed foreign acquisition.

Messages included a contact profile which misuses the name and photograph of a genuine solicitor (see below). The contact profile provides telephone number '+44 7379 426 734'.

Any business or transaction through telephone number '+44 7379 426 734' 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 solicitor called Amy Nicole McGinn who is an Associate at a genuine firm of solicitors Sullivan & Cromwell MNP LLP.

The genuine Amy Nicole McGinn has confirmed that she does not have any connection to the 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.