SRA warns 'Crypto Legal Aid' on Telegram used a fake crypto licence falsely claiming SRA regulation
On 22 October 2026 the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) warned that 'Crypto Legal Aid' is falsely claiming to be regulated by the SRA. According to the SRA, a member of the public was contacted on the messaging p…
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Source: sra.org.uk · published
What happened
On 22 October 2026 the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) warned that 'Crypto Legal Aid' is falsely claiming to be regulated by the SRA. According to the SRA, a member of the public was contacted on the messaging platform Telegram by an individual claiming to be from 'Crypto Legal Aid', who referred to himself as 'Dennis Baxter', in relation to the transfer of cryptocurrency. The person was given documents including an image of a 'cryptocurrency licence' that falsely claims the business is regulated by the SRA, gives a false SRA ID number and misuses the SRA logo. The SRA says it does not authorise or regulate a firm named 'Crypto Legal Aid' or an individual named 'Dennis Baxter'.
How the scam works
Fake legal or licensing documents are often used in cryptocurrency scams to reassure victims during a transfer or a supposed recovery of lost funds. A 'licence' with a regulator's logo and an ID number can look official, especially when sent through a messaging app where the sender's identity can't easily be checked. The SRA regulates solicitors and law firms in England and Wales; it does not issue cryptocurrency licences, and it says it does not authorise or regulate 'Crypto Legal Aid' or anyone called 'Dennis Baxter'.
The SRA advises that anyone receiving similar correspondence should check its authenticity by contacting the law firm directly by reliable, established means, and can use the SRA register to confirm whether a firm or individual is regulated. Other checks, such as company records or telephone directories, may also be needed. The SRA is impersonated, not involved.
Source
Solicitors Regulation Authority, scam alert "'Crypto Legal Aid' falsely claiming to be regulated by the SRA" (published 22 October 2026).
Red flags
- Contact on Telegram from someone offering legal help with a cryptocurrency transfer.
- A 'cryptocurrency licence' carrying the SRA logo or an SRA ID number.
- A firm or person who can't be found on the SRA register.
- Requests for fees or crypto payments to release or recover funds.
If you were targeted
- 1Don't send money or cryptocurrency to 'Crypto Legal Aid' or 'Dennis Baxter'.
- 2Check any law firm or solicitor on the SRA register before dealing with them.
- 3Contact firms only through details you find from reliable, established sources.
- 4If you have paid, contact your bank or crypto exchange straight away and keep the messages.
- 5Report the contact to the SRA and to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud).