Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the SRA ID number of Charlotte Bee and the name of Napthens LLP

21 January 2026

An email has been sent misusing the SRA ID number of Charlotte Bee and misusing the name of Napthens LLP in relation to the reporting of an alleged ‘invalid and unlawful annual general meeting’.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that an email has been sent to an organisation which misuses the SRA ID number of a genuine solicitor (see below) and the name of a genuine firm (see genuine details below). The email refers to a previous email sent to the organisation which reported that there was a planned 'invalid and unlawful annual general meeting' taking place. The email requests that the organisation responds to acknowledge receipt of that previous email and to confirm that it is being considered by the appropriate team.

The SRA has been advised that the email has been sent from the email address 'ivorystansfield.napthens@mail.co.uk' and is signed by 'Ivory Stansfield' claiming to be a charity law solicitor. The email also quotes a genuine SRA ID number (see below).

The SRA does not authorise or regulate an individual named 'Ivory Stansfield'.

Any business or transaction through the above email address or individual referred to in the above alert 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 Charlotte Bee, whose genuine SRA ID number is 663144 and who is an employee of Napthens LLP.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors by the name of Napthens LLP (SRA ID 462103). Its head office is 7 Winckley Square, Preston, PR1 3JD. The contact number is 01772 888444. The genuine firm uses the email domain @napthens.co.uk.

The genuine firm of solicitors Napthens LLP and the genuine Charlotte Bee have confirmed that they do not have any genuine 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.