Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the SRA ID number and the name of Gloria Lawson

13 January 2026

Emails have been sent misusing the SRA ID number and the name of a genuine solicitor in relation to cryptocurrency transactions and/or investments.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails have been sent to a member of the public misusing the name and SRA ID number of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The emails to the recipient are about Anti- Money Laundering ('AML') checks in relation to an investment transaction to purchase and/or transfer cryptocurrency, namely 'Bitcoin'. The emails also inform the recipient about the role of a 'Second Distributor', 'deposition expenses and related fees' and 'the total commission requested for the circulation of Anti Money Laundering' [sic] to enable the production and subsequent circulation of an AML Report.

The SRA has been advised that the emails have been sent from the email address 'gloria.lawson@solicitorscheck.com'. The emails also provided the address '2 Eastbourne Ter, London, W2 6LG'.

Any business or transaction through the above contact details 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 solicitor called Gloria Lawson, whose genuine SRA ID number is 395309.

The genuine solicitor Gloria Lawson has confirmed that she does not have any connection to the emails referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates a number of other law firms whose offices are at 2 Eastbourne Terrace etc, none of whom are believed to be connected with the emails 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.