Alerts

Warning: Email misusing the name of genuine solicitor Simon Tucker

9 June 2026

An email has been sent misusing the name of genuine solicitor Simon Tucker in relation to the purported administration of an estate.

What is the scam?

Emails have been sent to three separate individuals, misusing the name of a genuine solicitor (see below for details). The emails seek information from the recipient, who the emails claim has been identified in the records under their examination. The recipient's co-operation is requested to 'ensure that the estate is administered accurately'.

The email was sent from the email address 'barr.simontucker14@gmail.com'.

Any business or transaction through the email address 'barr.simontucker14@gmail.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 Simon Tucker (SRA ID 127905). Simon Tucker is employed at Debenhams Ottaway LLP (SRA 567621). The genuine email domain for this firm is @debenhamsottaway.co.uk.

The genuine firm of Debenhams Ottaway LLP has confirmed that Simon Tucker has 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.