Alerts

Warning: Identity card misusing the name of John Tanner

18 May 2026

Identity Card misusing the name of John Tanner in relation to supposedly acting on the recovery of misappropriated funds.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that a member of the public has been corresponding via WhatsApp with an individual purporting to be a genuine solicitor in relation to supposedly acting on the recovery of misappropriated funds.

An image of an identity card purportedly issued by the SRA was provided to the member of the public. The SRA does not issue identity cards.

We have been informed the following number '+44 7307 587574' is linked to the WhatsApp account. 

Any business or transaction conducted through that WhatsApp number is not undertaken by an individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called John Tanner (SRA number 340275).

The genuine John Tanner has confirmed that they do not have any connection to the correspondence or WhatsApp number 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.