Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages misusing the name and details of Baker & McKenzie LLP

28 April 2026

WhatsApp messages misusing the name and details of Baker & McKenzie LLP in relation to offering assistance with a lost luggage claim and requesting payments

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that WhatsApp messages have been sent to a member of the public by 'Aadil Naseem' misusing the name and details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The SRA has been provided with messages which were sent to a member of the public from an individual named 'Chris or Craig' over WhatsApp purporting to be email correspondence from the genuine firm and misusing the name and details of the genuine firm in connection with the lost luggage claim. Those messages encouraged the recipient to make a payment within 90 days for funds to be released. The messages provide the address 280 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AG and a telephone/WhatsApp number '07418 376970'. They also provide an email address 'a.naseem@bakermckenzie.com.

The SRA has been informed that additional WhatsApp messages have also been sent to the member of the public from this individual named 'Chris' or 'Craig'. In those messages the recipient is provided with bank details to complete a bank transfer, with the bank account name listed as 'Aadil Naseem' and the reference 'c/o Baker Mckenzie'. The phone number associated with the messages is '+447445 110165'.

The SRA has been informed that an email address of 'gm.chris@gmtravel.com' has also been given in correspondence.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual solicitor named 'Aadil Naseem'.

Any business or transaction through the telephone numbers and email addresses above or the individual Aadil Naseem 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 Baker & McKenzie LLP (SRA ID 421456). The genuine firm uses the genuine email domain @bakermckenzie.com and its head office is 280 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AG and contact number is 020 7919 1000.

The genuine Baker & McKenzie LLP have confirmed that they do not have any connection to any of the details referred to in the above alert and they have no employee by the name Aadil Naseem.

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.