Alerts

Warning: Correspondence falsely claiming to be from Robert David Roberts

4 May 2023

Messages have been sent falsely claiming to be from Robert David Roberts regarding a cryptocurrency transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that WhatsApp messages have been sent to a member of the public falsely claiming to be from Robert David Roberts (see below for details of a genuine solicitor) relating to a cryptocurrency transaction.

The messages seen by the SRA were sent from the telephone number of '447733471418'.

Any business or transaction done through the telephone number of '447733471418' 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 Robert David Roberts whose SRA ID number is 453409.

The genuine Robert David Roberts has confirmed that he has no connection to the telephone number 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 (eg. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.