Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp profile misusing the name of Manuel Padilla Behar and the name and details of Cross Border Legal Limited Solicitors

25 September 2026

WhatsApp messages have been sent from a profile misusing the name ‘Manuel Padilla Behar’ and falsely claiming to be from Cross Border Legal Limited Solicitors in relation to immigration matters.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been notified that a WhatsApp profile has been created misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see details below) and the details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see details below.)

The WhatsApp profile sent messages purporting to assist with immigration-related services  to solicit payments from members of the public. The sender of these messages represented themselves as assistants, referral partners, or as otherwise acting on the genuine firm's behalf.

The WhatsApp messages were sent from the contact number '07520685915' and provided the recipient with the office address '99 Princess Rd E, Leicester LE1 7LF, UK'.

Any business or transactions through the above WhatsApp profile or contact number 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 firm of solicitors called Cross Border Legal Limited Solicitors (SRA ID: 628303). The genuine firm's head office address is West Walk House, 99 Princess Road East, Leicester, LE1 7LF and its contact number is 01163800744.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor named Manuel Padilla Behar (SRA ID: 433252). Manuel Padilla Behar has confirmed that they have no connection to the WhatsApp profile or the firm Cross Border Legal Limited Solicitors.

The genuine firm of solicitors has confirmed that it has no connection to the WhatsApp messages referred to in the alert above. Cross Border Legal Limited Solicitors has also confirmed it does not work through agents, referral partners, or any third-party offering immigration services on its behalf.

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.