Alerts

Warning: Emails and WhatsApp messages misusing the name of George Michael Roberts

31 July 2025

Emails and WhatsApp messages have been sent purporting to be from genuine solicitor George Michael Roberts in relation to assisting in the recovery of lost cryptocurrency funds.

What is the scam?

A member of the public has received emails from an individual purporting to be a lawyer for 'Merlyn Advisors Legal team' called George Michael Roberts (the details of the genuine solicitor are below). The individual claims to be able to assist the recipient in recovering lost funds. The emails seen by the SRA have been sent from the following email addresses 'georgemichaelroberts@merlyn-advisors.com', 'georgemichaelroberts@merlyn-advisors-lawyers.com', 'George_top_lawyer@outlook.com'. Further contact details are included in the email sign-off including the phone numbers '+ 420 (60) 428 2463' and '+ 44 (121) 225 8768 and the address '49 Grosvenor Street, London, United Kingdom, W1K 3HP'.

The SRA have also seen WhatsApp messages in relation to this matter from the individual purporting to be George Michael Roberts. The WhatsApp messages seen by the SRA originate from the phone number '+ 48 721 044 826' and ask the recipient for certain information including their photo identification and copies of bank statements in relation to this matter.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called Merlyn Advisors.

Any business or transaction through the details included in this alert 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 George Michael Roberts, whose SRA ID is 474779. The genuine solicitor is not employed by a company named Merlyn Advisors.

The genuine solicitor has confirmed that they have no connection to any of the details referred to in this 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.