Alerts

Warning: Emails and a certificate sent misusing the name and SRA number of John Francis Henry purporting to be from 'Grey Oak Chambers'

16 October 2026

Emails and a certificate have been sent misusing the name and SRA number of John Francis Henry purporting to be from the firm ‘Grey Oak Chambers’.

What is the scam?

The SRA has been informed that emails and a certificate have been sent to members of the public misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below) purporting to be from 'Grey Oak Chambers'.

The emails refer to an alleged inheritance and offers to help the recipients access the inheritance as they have been nominated as a beneficiary.

The emails have been sent from the email addresses: 'jhenry@greyoakchambers.com' and 'john.henry@greyoakchambers.com'.

The email signature also includes the telephone number '+44 7537 166 009' and website address 'www.greyoakchambers.com'.

The SRA does not authorise or regulate a firm called 'Grey Oak Chambers'.

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'jhenry@greyoakchambers.com' and 'john.henry@greyoakchambers.com', the telephone number '+44 7537 166 009', or the website 'www.greyoakchambers.com' are not undertaken by any individual or firm authorised and regulated by the SRA.

Is there a genuine firm or person?

The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine solicitor called John Francis Henry (SRA number 491877).

John Francis Henry has confirmed he has no connection to the emails mentioned 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.