Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp and TikTok account misusing the name of 'Veit Sahlfeld,' 'Victoria Birch'and 'Norton Rose Fulbright'

7 January 2026

A WhatsApp and TikTok social media account has been set up which misuses the name Veit Sahlfeld and Norton Rose Fulbright.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a WhatsApp and TikTok account has been created misusing the details of a genuine SRA registered foreign lawyer and law firm (see below).

The individual is purporting to be a 'professional lawyer' and an employee of Norton Rose Fulbright. The member of public also received a 'lawyers ID card' from the individual, purporting to be a German lawyer ID card in the name of the SRA registered foreign lawyer Veit Sahlfeld of Norton Rose Fulbright.

We have been informed that the username associated with the TikTok account is '@norton.rose.fulbright' and the following number '+49 1521 1904920' is linked to the WhatsApp account.

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 registered foreign lawyer with the name Veit Sahlfeld (SRA ID 834794) and the firm of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP (SRA ID 466517).

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP have confirmed that the ID card is not genuine.

The genuine firm Norton Rose Fulbright LLP has confirmed that neither it nor Veit Sahlfeld have any connection to the above social media accounts.

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.

More information

Update 23 January 2026

The SRA has been notified of a further WhatsApp account misusing the name of a genuine SRA registered solicitor and law firm (see below).

The individual is purporting to be Victoria Birch of Norton Rose Fulbright. The individuals who have been contacted have been asked to transfer funds for a fictional M&A transaction.

We have been informed that the number associated with the WhatsApp account is '+44 7462 324068'.

Any business or transactions through the above WhatsApp account is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised or regulated by the SRA.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor with the name Victoria Birch (SRA ID 334716) and the genuine firm of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP (SRA ID 466517).

The genuine firm Norton Rose Fulbright LLP has confirmed that neither it nor Victoria Birch have any connection to the above WhatsApp accounts.