Alerts

Warning: Emails and a WhatsApp account misusing the name of Richard Collins, Nicola Walker and Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

15 April 2026

Emails have been sent and a WhatsApp social media account has been set up which misuses the name of Richard Collins and Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent and a WhatsApp account set up misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below)

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent from 'Richard.Collins@wbd-global.com' and 'nicola.walker@wbd-solicitors.com'. We have also been made aware the emails include an additional email address 'Nicola.Walker@wbd-global.com'

The email that the SRA has seen appears to request payment of an invoice.

Any business or transaction through the above WhatsApp account or email address 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 firm of solicitors called Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. The Head Office is at 4 More London Riverside, London, SE1 2AU. The genuine telephone number is 03454150000. The firm’s genuine email domain is '@wbd-uk.com'.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Richard Collins (SRA number 358511)

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called Nicola Walker (SRA number 356526)

Womble Bond Dickinson has confirmed that neither it nor the individuals mentioned have any connection to the above social media account or email address.

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.