Protect yourself
Get bank details directly from the law firm in person or on the phone at the start of the conveyancing process.
If you receive an email or call stating a change in bank details, question its authenticity.
Law firms rarely change their bank details.
Always check the bank details directly with your solicitor.
If you have doubts, check with a senior person at the firm. Call them on their published number, not the one given in the email demanding payment.
If you cannot speak to your solicitor, contact someone senior or a staff member you have spoken to before. You can ask them to confirm their details by post.
Do not feel pressured into changing any details before you have spoken to someone senior from the firm.
Protect your clients
Inform your clients to check bank details are correct directly with you before sending any funds.
Ensure clients set strong and separate passwords for your accounts, and ensure you have antivirus software on your devices.
These frauds often rely on compromised accounts.
Ask your vendor/purchaser not to use public or unprotected wi-fi systems to check emails during the conveyancing process.
Vulnerable wi-fi can be easily hacked.
Advise clients to avoid posting on social media about buying or selling a property or securing a mortgage. Fraudsters may target them because of this.
Criminals are actively targeting property purchases, with the aim of tricking you into transferring your property price to them.
