Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors)

28 January 2026

An email has been sent misusing the name of Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors) in relation to an ongoing cybersecurity investigation.

What is the scam?

An email has been sent to a member of the public misusing the name of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below) in relation to an ongoing cybersecurity investigation. The email informs the recipient that unauthorised individuals were misusing their identity to trade, and they must complete an identity verification process to gain access to recovered related assets.

The email was sent from 'michaelcooper@celsolisitors.com' (with an erroneous spelling of “solicitors” in the domain name) from 'Michael Cooper', claiming to be a financial recovery officer.

The email contains a 'Representation Document', in which 'Michael Cooper' claims to be a Financial Agent. 

Any business or transaction through the above email address 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 Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL Solicitors). The genuine firm uses the genuine email domain @celsolicitors.co.uk and the genuine firm's website is www.celsolicitors.co.uk. 

Cheshire Estate and Legal Limited (trading as CEL solicitors) has confirmed that it does not have any connection with the email or individual referred to in the above alert.

The SRA also authorises and regulates several of individuals called Michael Cooper, none of whom are believed to be connected with the email 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.