Alerts

Warning: Documents and correspondence misusing the names and details of George Mitchell and Forsters LLP

19 October 2026

Correspondence and documents have been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor and the name and details of a genuine law firm in relation to the transfer of funds in connection with a supposed investment.

What is the scam?

The SRA understands that emails have been sent to a member of the public, falsely claiming to be from a genuine solicitor (see details below) and a genuine firm of solicitors (see details below).

The emails which have been seen by the SRA, invite the recipient to pay various fees of £825 and £1250 for held funds to be released and the email signature misuses the name of a genuine solicitor (see details below) claiming to hold the position of a 'Private Wealth Manager' at a genuine firm of solicitors (see details below).

The SRA has also seen a document titled 'Financial Contract for Sole Investors' which appears to have been created via an online legal tool platform. The document misuses the name, postal address and logo of the genuine firm of solicitors (see details below) as well as the name of a genuine solicitor (see below). The SRA understands that a signature appearing on the document and purporting to be that of the genuine solicitor, is false. The contract provides the address of '64 George Street London W1U 3BZ'.

The SRA also understands that WhatsApp messages and emails have been sent also purporting to be from the genuine solicitor.

Any business or transactions through the emails, document and WhatsApp messages described above 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 firm of solicitors called Forsters LLP. The genuine firm's head office address is 22 Baker Street, London, W1U 3BW.

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called George Mitchell (SRA ID number 481362) who holds the position of Member at Forsters LLP.

The genuine firm has confirmed that neither the firm or the genuine solicitor has any connection to the emails, documents and WhatsApp messages 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.