Alerts

Warning: Social media accounts misusing the name and image of Apostolos Gkoutzinis

17 December 2025

Social media accounts have been created falsely claiming to be 'Apostolos Gkoutzinis'.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that social media accounts have been created falsely claiming to be associated with a genuine solicitor (see below).

Multiple social media accounts across Facebook and Instagram have been created which purport to be associated with the genuine solicitor (see below) using the genuine solicitor's (see below) name and image.

The Facebook profiles offer alleged financial services. The SRA has also seen an Instagram account with the handle of 'johanoscarmaddox.2' advertising a post in Greek offering an opportunity for 'wealth creation' and mentions a 'WhatsApp channel.' Another Instagram post in Greek invites the recipient to register and signup to a Facebook form. The posts include the image of the genuine solicitor (see below).

Any business or transactions through the above social media accounts are 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 Apostolos Gkoutzinis SRA number 384391 who is a solicitor at Milbank LLP.

Apostolos Gkoutzinis has confirmed he does not have any connection to the Instagram account 'johanoscarmaddox.2' or any other social media accounts 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.