Cyber Security

Deposit Redirection Fraud

Conveyancing transactions are targeted by sophisticated fraudsters. Large amounts of money are involved and the fraudsters have developed sophisticated methods to divert the money to them by impersonating solicitors or banks.

What is Deposit Redirection Fraud?

It starts when the client or solicitor’s email account is hacked. The fraudsters monitor the email to intercept communication between client and solicitor. The client receives an email, using the same email address as the trusted conveyancer, requesting funds to be sent to their account. Usually, the fraudster will say it is due to bank details changing at the last minute. The client does not query it and sends money to the scammer’s account.

What you should do

Check your device to ensure it is not infected with malware by installing anti-virus/anti-malware software before using it for banking. The software should run constantly and have it set to automatically update. You should also ensure you have enabled a firewall.

Your PC should be set to automatically install operating systems and software updates.

You should use two factor authentication on your personal email and bank accounts if you have the option.

Stay safe

We don’t provide links for you to click on to send your deposit.

We ask you to send us your bank details but will call you before we send money to you (over £500).

Don’t send money using public Wi-Fi.

Please call us to confirm our bank details before sending money to us. You can send £1 to us to test you have the correct bank details and we can let you know once it has been received.

Please call and ask for our accounts office on 01903 213511

If someone calls you and you are not sure who is calling, please double check and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the caller or your matter or the firm.

Our payment details will not change over the course of a transaction.