Alerts

Warning: Emails and letterhead misusing the name, SRA number and details of SM Solicitors Ltd and misusing the name of Shangeeth Sugumar

30 September 2026

Emails and a letterhead have been sent which misuse the name, SRA number and details of SM Solicitors Ltd in relation to a conveyancing transaction.

What is the scam?

The SRA has seen emails sent to a member of the public purporting to be from 'Shangeeth Sugumar' (see details below) of a genuine firm of solicitors (see details below).

The emails were sent from the email address 'conveyancing@smsolicitor.com' (missing the extra 's') and misuses the genuine contact details of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below).

The emails also provided a letterhead containing bank details, directing the recipient to transfer funds into a bank account in the name of 'Avlm Ltd' with HSBC Bank, which are not associated with the genuine firm of solicitors.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'conveyancing@smsolicitor.com' 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 SM Solicitors Ltd (SRA number 658644). The genuine firm uses the email domain @smsolicitors.com and its head office address is 21 Sangley Road, London, SE6 2DT.

Shangeeth Sugumar is employed at SM Solicitors Ltd as a Trainee Solicitor.

The genuine firm of SM Solicitors Ltd has confirmed that neither they, nor their employee Shangeeth Sugumar have any connection to the emails or letterhead referred to in the alert 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.