Alerts

Warning: WhatsApp numbers and email addresses falsely claiming to be 'Meryem Ofluoglu' and 'Emma Martel' of Dechert LLP

22 May 2025

Contact numbers and email addresses falsely claiming to be 'Meryem Ofluoglu' and 'Emma Martel' of Dechert LLP, in relation to recovering cryptocurrency.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been advised that individuals are purporting to be 'Meryem Ofluoglu' and 'Emma Martel' of Dechert LLP and using the WhatsApp numbers of '+44 7778677346' and '+44 7417473752' (see below).

The SRA have also been advised that a website is operating and misuses the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (please see below). The website of 'www.dechertlawyers.com' provides profile images of 'Meryem Ofluoglu' and 'Emma Martel' supposedly of Dechert LLP and provides the email addresses of 'meryem.olfuogluðechertlawyers.com' and 'emma.martel@dechertlawyers.com'.

The SRA have also seen a document purporting to be an agreement. The supposed agreement misuses the name of 'David Layden' at Dechert LLP and falsely claims to be signed by the genuine individual (please see below). The supposed agreement also misuses the genuine firm's address based In Dublin.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate individuals called 'Meryem Ofluoglu' or 'Emma Martel'.

Any business or transaction through the website of 'www.dechertlawyers.com', the WhatsApp numbers of '+44 7778677346' and '+44 7417473752' or the email addresses of 'meryem.olfuogluðechertlawyers.com' and 'emma.martel@dechertlawyers.com' 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 Dechert LLP. The Head Office in England is based at 25 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 5UB.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine individual called David Layden and is employed as an associate at Dechert LLP.

Dechert LLP has confirmed that it does not have any connection to the email addresses, WhatsApp numbers or website referred to 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.