Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages from 'Wilbur Parker'

1 May 2025

WhatsApp messages have been sent from 'Wilbur Parker' regarding the recovery of funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that a member of the public has received WhatsApp messages purportedly from an individual claiming to be 'Wilbur Parker' regarding the recovery of funds lost through online fraud. The alleged 'Wilbur Parker' also claims to be connected to a company registered in the UK and has provided the recipient with copies of documents from Companies House. It is not known by the SRA whether the UK company is involved in the matter.

The SRA has been provided with a document setting out the core terms of the service agreement, whereby the supposed UK company would receive a service fee of 10% following recovery of the recipient's funds. We understand that the recipient has received contact from the telephone numbers '+49 1521 6399879' and '+49 1521 9226716'.

The recipient has also been provided with a practising certificate which falsely claims that the alleged 'Wilbur Parker' is a solicitor having been admitted to the roll in 2012. The recipient has also been provided with a copy of photo identification of the supposed 'Wilbur Parker'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a solicitor by the name of 'Wilbur Parker'.

Any business or transaction through the contact numbers '+49 1521 6399879' and '+49 1521 9226716' is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

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.