Alerts

Warning: LinkedIn profile and WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Richard Cox and Browne Jacobson LLP

15 October 2025

A LinkedIn profile and WhatsApp messages misusing the name of Richard Cox and Browne Jacobson LLP in relation to a 'non-disclosure agreement'.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen a screenshot of a LinkedIn profile misusing the solicitor name of Richard Cox (see below). The telephone number associated with the profile is '+44 7537 169937'.

The SRA has also seen a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation, purporting to be someone working with Richard Cox of Browne Jacobson LLP (see below) in relation to a 'non-disclosure agreement' (NDA). The telephone number used to send the WhatsApp messages is '+44 7721 982694'. In the message the NDA relates to a 'stake in a company in Asia' and encourages the member of the public to contact Richard Cox to move forward with signing an NDA.

Any business or transaction through the telephone numbers '+44 7537 169937' and '+44 7721 982694' is not undertaken by a firm or solicitor authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Richard Cox (SRA ID 20816) who is employed at Browne Jacobson LLP.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Browne Jacobson LLP (SRA ID 401163). The genuine firm uses the contact telephone number 03702706000.

The genuine firm and the genuine Richard Cox have confirmed they have no connection to the WhatsApp messages or LinkedIn profile referred to in the alert 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.