Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp messages and telephone calls misusing the name of 'Leonardo Passeri'

12 August 2025

Emails, telephone calls and WhatsApp messages have been sent misusing the name 'Leonardo Passeri' in relation to investigating fraudulent activity in order to recover funds from investment fraud.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that telephone calls have been made, and WhatsApp messages and emails have been sent purporting to be from 'Leonardo Passeri'.

The recipient was asked to provide documents in support of a supposed claim for recovery of investment funds. The recipient was also asked to enter into a damages-based fee agreement whereby an agreed percentage would be taken by the purported solicitor from any money recovered in the claim.

The emails which the SRA has seen were sent using an email address of 'leonardo.passeri@solicitor.ac'. The email provides a postal address of ’85 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7NQ’. The email misuses the name and SRA ID of a genuine solicitor (see below). The SRA understands that the telephone number which was used on WhatsApp is +447378419896.

Any business or transactions through the email address, postal address and telephone number mentioned above are not undertaken by any individual or firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine Registered Foreign Lawyer called Leonardo Passeri and his SRA ID number is 7025299.

The genuine Leonardo Passeri has confirmed that he is not connected to any of the details 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.