Alerts

Warning: Emails misusing the name of genuine solicitor James Gent

14 July 2026

Emails have been sent misusing the name of genuine solicitor 'James Gent' in relation to the purported administration of an estate.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below for details). The emails inform the recipient that they may qualify for an inheritance as they may be related to the deceased due to their surname.

The emails invite the recipient to provide their full name, date of birth and an identity document. The emails were sent from the email addresses 'jamesgentts1@gmail.com' and 'jamesgent.soI@outlook.com'. The emails claim that 'James Gent' is Principal Solicitor and 'Senior Probate Officer' at LLP Probate Services.

The emails also ask the recipient to complete a claim form and to send it to a bank representative using the email address 'Adampowellsave@accountant.com'

Any business or transaction through the email addresses 'jamesgentts1@gmail.com' or 'jamesgent.soI@outlook.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 solicitor called James Gent (SRA ID 578796). James Gent is employed at Jordans Solicitors (Yorkshire) Limited (SRA 661398).

The genuine James Gent has confirmed they have no connection to the emails 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.