Beware property fraud

Solicitor firms and their clients are currently finding themselves a major target for fraudsters in conveyancing transactions. We therefore warn our clients to remain vigilant and take all the necessary precautions to guard themselves against increasingly sophisticated scams.

One of the common scams targeting clients is where a fraudster (pretending to be your lawyer or someone from the firm) contacts you (usually by email) advising that the firm’s bank account details have changed. The fraudster then provides the client with their own account details, and asks the client to transfer funds to that account. The client then transfers the money, thinking that it is going to their solicitor, and the fraudster takes the money. 

Please note that we currently have no intention to change our bank account. 

Should you receive such notice, please get in touch with us immediately using the usual number given to you at the outset of the transaction (do not dial the number given to you by a potentially fraudulent email, letter or website).

Points to consider:

• If you receive an email requesting money, before making any payments, please call us to verify that the email is genuine;
• Stay alert when someone you don’t know calls you – no matter who they claim to be or what number is showing on the caller display. If you’re in doubt, call your solicitor back on the trusted phone number given to you at the outset of the transaction and do so from a different phone to avoid fraudsters from intercepting the call;
• Remember that email communications are not necessarily secure and can be intercepted.  If you are in any doubt in relation to any communication received, please verify it with your solicitor.  

Further information:

 
If you have any concerns please speak with your solicitor.
Alternatively, you can visit www.sra.org.uk or www.actionfraud.police.uk

Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this article is accurate and correct, the information provided does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation or opinion. DPM Legal Services Limited accepts no liability for any loss or damage, howsoever caused, as a result of any reliance on any information provided.