Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of Robert Lizar Solicitors Limited and Carl Gideon Gallagher

29 October 2025

Emails have been sent to a betting company misusing the name of Carl Gideon Gallagher and Robert Lizar Solicitors Limited.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails sent to a betting company, misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors and solicitor (see genuine details below).

The emails seen by the SRA misuse the name of the genuine solicitor in the email sign-off and advise the recipient that the solicitor is acting as legal representative for an individual named in the emails. The emails proceed to advise the recipient that the solicitor has been instructed to correspond with the recipient regarding the closure of the account and the withholding of the funds of the named individual. The emails request the company repay the funds to avoid formal legal proceedings.

The emails were sent from the email address 'carlgallagher917@gmail.com'.

The email sign-off also misuses the name and logo of the genuine firm of solicitors, as well as their telephone number, website and head office address.

Any business or transactions through the email address 'carlgallagher917@gmail.com' or emails described in this alert is not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorise and regulate a genuine firm of solicitors called Robert Lizar Solicitors Limited. The genuine firm's head office address is 101 Princess Road, Manchester, Lancashire, M14 4RB and their contact number is 01612 277 777. The firm's website address is www.robertlizar.com.

The SRA also authorise and regulate a genuine solicitor called Carl Gideon Gallagher who is employed by Robert Lizar Solicitors Limited.

The genuine firm and solicitor have confirmed that they have no connection to the emails or email address 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.