SRA warns public about scam calls falsely claiming to be from ‘Zebra Solicitors Limited ‘
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has issued a warning about telephone calls made to members of the public by individuals falsely claiming to represent a law firm called “Zebra Solicitors Limited”.
According to the regulator, the calls originate from the mobile number 0771 865 8052. During the calls, the individual claims to be acting on behalf of the supposed firm and offers assistance with recovering money lost through fraudulent online cryptocurrency investments.
The SRA has confirmed that the calls are not connected to any authorised or regulated law firm.
The regulator said any business or transactions carried out through the number 0771 865 8052 while claiming to represent “Zebra Solicitors Limited” are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
The alert follows reports that the caller is targeting individuals who may have lost money through cryptocurrency investment scams. Victims are reportedly told that legal assistance is available to help recover those losses.
The SRA stated that there is no firm authorised or regulated under the name “Zebra Solicitors Limited”.
However, the regulator confirmed that there is a genuine legal practice called Zebra Law Ltd. The firm is authorised and regulated by the SRA and operates under its own legitimate contact details.
Zebra Law Ltd has confirmed to the regulator that it has no connection with the telephone calls described in the alert and is not involved in any such activity.
The SRA issued the warning as part of its ongoing efforts to highlight potential scams involving the misuse of law firm identities.
In cases where the name of a legitimate firm or a similar name is used by fraudsters, the tactic is commonly referred to as a “cloning” scam. These scams attempt to create the impression that the communication is coming from a genuine legal practice.
The regulator advises individuals who receive unsolicited contact claiming to come from a solicitor or law firm to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of the communication.
Members of the public are encouraged to conduct independent checks, such as contacting the firm directly using established contact details, verifying a solicitor or firm’s regulatory status with the SRA, or consulting publicly available records.
The SRA maintains a public register that allows individuals to confirm whether a solicitor or law firm is authorised and regulated in England and Wales.
Anyone who receives suspicious communications claiming to come from a law firm is advised to carry out appropriate checks before engaging in any business or transferring funds.