Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages misusing the SRA ID number and the name of Richard Alexander

14 January 2026

WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the SRA ID number and the name of a genuine Registered Foreign Lawyer, ‘Richard Alexander’ in relation to recovering cryptocurrency funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen WhatsApp messages sent to a member of the public purporting to be from 'Richard Alexander' (see below).

The WhatsApp messages seen by the SRA are in German and offer the recipient legal assistance with the recovery of cryptocurrency funds upon payment of a fee for the provision of legal assistance.

The recipient of the messages was provided with an identity document bearing the name 'Richard Alexander' and a 'Coinbase guarantee agreement' purported signed by 'Attorney Richard Alexander'. The messages were sent from the phone number '+447350 004851'.  The sender claimed to work for 'True Justice Limited' and quoted a genuine SRA number (see below).

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm named 'True Justice Limited'.

Any business or transaction through the above contact details or website is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA previously authorised and regulated a genuine Registered Foreign Lawyer named Richard Alexander whose genuine SRA ID number was 258799.

The genuine Richard Alexander is believed to have no connection to the WhatsApp messages referred to in the above alert.

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.