Alerts

Warning: TikTok accounts with the usernames 'Bella Jana' and 'Bella Jane' and WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Clifford Chance LLP

3 September 2026

TikTok social media accounts have been set up in the names of 'Bella Jana' and 'Bella Jane' purporting to be from a lawyer. Separate WhatsApp messages have also been sent misusing the name of Clifford Chance LLP.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that TikTok accounts have been set up in the names of 'Bella Jana' and 'Bella Jane' purporting to be from a lawyer and WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

In the TikTok accounts the individual is purporting to be a 'lawyer' and in the WhatsApp account the individual is purporting to be a 'lawyer' and an employee of Clifford Chance LLP.

We have been informed that the usernames associated with the TikTok accounts are '@bellethelawyer' and '@bellathelawyer1' and the following number '+44 7490 943303' is associated with the WhatsApp account. Based on the information available, it appears that the TikTok accounts and the WhatsApp messages may be linked.

The WhatsApp messages also provide payment instructions directing the recipient to transfer the funds into bank accounts in the name of 'Zack Elliston Ingham-Wright' with Banking Circle S.A and 'Zainab Abdullahi' with Clear Bank, which are not associated with the genuine firm of solicitors.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual solicitor named 'Zack Elliston Ingham-Wright', 'Bella Jana' and 'Zainab Abdullahi'.

Any business or transactions through the above social media accounts and telephone number 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 firm of solicitors called Clifford Chance LLP (SRA number 447778).

The genuine Clifford Chance LLP have confirmed they have no connection to the TikTok and WhatsApp accounts or telephone number referred to in the alert above.

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.