Alerts
Warning: Correspondence misusing the name and details of Linklaters LLP and two registered foreign lawyers from Linklaters LLP
22 September 2026
Correspondence has been sent misusing the name and details of Linklaters LLP and two genuine Registered Foreign Lawyers (RFL) from Linklaters LLP.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been informed that a member of the public has received WhatsApp messages and a fraudulent Power of Attorney document purporting to be from a genuine law firm (see details below) in relation to a fraud recovery case.
The WhatsApp messages seen by the SRA were sent from the telephone number +49 176 14114981 purporting to be from the genuine law firm (see details below).
The messages request the recipient to send evidence of the fraud they experienced and further invite the recipient to sign up for a 'Signal' account.
Any business or transaction through the above telephone number is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised or regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Linklaters LLP (SRA ID number 460682). Their telephone number is 02074562000.
The genuine firm Linklaters LLP has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the telephone number or messages referred to 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.