Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp calls misusing the name of Isabel Wolfe Barry

23 July 2023

WhatsApp calls have been made to members of the public from an individual claiming to be Isabel Wolfe Barry in relation to an acquisition matter.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that WhatsApp calls have been made to members of the public from an individual claiming to be a genuine solicitor (see below). The WhatsApp profile falsely claimed to be that of ‘Isabel Wolfe Barry’ and the calls were made from the telephone numbers of ' 07944893716’ and ‘07944893717’.

Any business or transaction through the telephone numbers of ' 07944893716’ and ‘07944893717’ 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 Isabel Wolfe Barry whose SRA ID is 320699.

Isabel Wolfe Barry has confirmed she does not have any connection to the WhatsApp calls 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.