Alerts

Warning: Email sent misusing the name of Christopher Lloyd-Smith

7 September 2026

An email has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of Christopher Lloyd-Smith in relation to an alleged inheritance.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The email address used was 'chris_lsmith@outlook.com'.

Any business or transaction through the above 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 genuine solicitor called Christopher Lloyd-Smith, whose genuine SRA number is 317438.

The genuine solicitor Christopher Lloyd-Smith has confirmed that he does not have any connection to the email 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.