Alerts

Warning: Correspondence misusing the name of Andrew Smith

8 May 2025

Correspondence has been sent misusing the name of Andrew Smith in relation to court proceedings.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that correspondence has been sent misusing the name and SRA ID of a genuine solicitor (see below).

The email seen by the SRA has been signed off using 'Andrew K Smith Solicitor', and was sent from the email address 'aks@andrewksmithsolicitor.co.uk'. The telephone number provided is '07385 730887'.

The business address provided by 'Andrew K Smith Solicitor' of 91 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4HT, is the business address for genuine firms of solicitors (see below).

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm of solicitors called 'Andrew K Smith Solicitor'.

Any business or transaction through 'Andrew K Smith Solicitor', the email address 'aks@andrewksmithsolicitor.co.uk' or the telephone number '07385 730887' 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 Andrew Smith whose SRA ID is 137872.

The genuine Andrew Smith does not have any connection to the correspondence or contact details referred to above.

The SRA also authorises and regulates genuine firms of solicitors which are affiliated with the address at 91 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4HT. None of which are thought to have any connection to the scam 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.