Scam Alert Round up 16th May
Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Emails claiming to be from a “Linda McNair” relating to a property conveyance Emails have been seen that claim to be in connection with a property conveyance. These emails contain attachments it states are conveyancing documents but are likely vehicles for malware delivery. […]
Anti Money Laundering: Tweak your systems for 4MLD
Changes under the 4th Money Laundering Directive will provide new opportunities to identify beneficial owners, but the other main requirements seem likely to stay the same, says Katie Jackson of Honne Ltd – Risk and Compliance Consultants. The 4th Money Laundering Directive from the European Union is due for implementation soon. Barring a Brexit, and […]
Working to combat conveyancing fraud
Fraudsters attacking the conveyancing sector, successfully stealing large sums of money from homebuyers, are making national headlines at a depressing rate. As criminals deploy ever more sophisticated methods to intercept the money, Greg Bryce, managing director of SearchFlow, property intelligence specialists, takes a look at how the conveyancing sector can best protect themselves. Recently, the […]
Scam Alert Round up 9th May
Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Letters using details from “Woolley and Co Limited” The SRA say they have seen letters signed by “Andrew Woolley. Principal” as well as others signed by “Monica Woolley, Partner” or “Monica. Woolley. Principal Attorney”. The letters refer to “Woolley & Co, London, United […]
Fraud up 20% in one year, SearchFlow comments on Experian’s latest Fraud index
The latest Fraud Index released by Experian has revealed that the fraud rate increased by 20% in the year from Q1 2015, until Q1 2016. The research has also revealed an increase in ID theft relating to mortgage applications. Historically, ID fraud accounted for around 4% of all mortgage application fraud, however this figure has […]
InfoTrack announce latest free webinar: The Lunatics Are Running the Asylum
InfoTrack, the conveyancing service provider, are hosting a series of webinars to discuss the ways in which technology has changed the expectations of consumers and how this impacts law firms. The presentation – ‘The Lunatics Are Running the Asylum’ – explores the changing consumer landscape and the way in which conveyancing staff are now demanding […]
Scam Alert Round up 9th May
Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Letters using details from “Woolley and Co Limited” The SRA say they have seen letters signed by “Andrew Woolley. Principal” as well as others signed by “Monica Woolley, Partner” or “Monica. Woolley. Principal Attorney”. The letters refer to “Woolley & Co, London, United […]
Number of conveyancing fraud cases in March 2016 more than triple previous year
The number of deposit redirection frauds in March 2016 was more than triple those in March 2015 according to statistics from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. The increase in fraud far and away outstrips the increase in transactions, with 77% more transactions in March 2016 compared with March 2015 according to HMRC. In all, Action […]
Conveyancing Association launches cyber fraud protocol
The Conveyancing Association have launched a new Cyberfraud and Fraud Protocol in an effort to better equip conveyancers in avoiding becoming victims of crime. The Cyber Safe Scheme is intended to give firms practical information on how criminals operate and the measures they and their staff can take. The scheme also gives firms a customer […]
Scam Alert Round up 3rd May
Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Emails claiming to be from a solicitor at “Stern & Co” The SRA say emails have been sent claiming to be from a solicitor at “Stern & Co” and include a contract for review, requesting a response. The emails state that “Stern & […]
SearchFlow responds to Law Society’s findings on law firms targeted by scammers
The Law Society’s annual professional indemnity insurance survey,which looked at insurance claims among law firms of up to 25 partners, reveals that almost a quarter of law firms have reported being targeted by scammers in the last year. Greg Bryce, Managing Director of SearchFlow, comments: “This is an alarmingly high level of reported fraud attempts […]
One in fifty firms have been victims of scams
18% of firms have been victims of scams according to the Law Society with banks and insurers picking up the tab in two thirds of cases. According to a survey of 560 firms conducted on behalf of the Law Society by Mustard Research Limited, 25% of firms have been targeted, with less than 10% of attempts […]
Couple lose £204,390 after fraudsters fake email from conveyancers
A couple has lost their future home and more than £200,000 to fraudsters after receiving an email claiming to offer new bank account details for their conveyancer. The Telegraph state that Andrew Doyle and Susan Paul had requested their conveyancers TCS send bank details to be sent by email rather than post. After several phone […]
Scam Alert Round up 25th April
Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the SRA Letters from “Allan Rodriguez” of “Berwin Leighton Paisner Law Partners” A member of the public has reported receiving a letter claiming to be from an “Allan Rodriguez” of “Berwin Leighton Paisner Law Partners” The SRA has also reported emails from a “Karen G” using the […]
SearchFlow partners with Decision First to offer protection against fraud
SearchFlow, property intelligence specialists, has partnered with Decision First to offer an unrivalled service to protect conveyancers and homebuyers from the risk of fraud. Using Decision First’s Law Firm Search via the Lender Exchange, users can now ensure it is safe to transfer their client’s money at no additional cost. Working on behalf of lenders […]
Conveyancers held accountable after £470,000 is sprited away to offshore account
A Judge has held Conveyancers on both sides of the transaction accountable after nearly half a million pounds was paid to fraudsters claiming to be the rightful owner of a property. According to court documents, a man engaged the services of A’Court & Co Solicitors (ACC) to act on his behalf in the sale of […]
Scam Alert Round up 18th April
Here are the latest scam alerts issued by the SRA. Phone calls claiming to be from “Jacksons Solicitors” A member of the public has reported receiving a phone call from 0208 123 8819 in regards to a road traffic collision, claiming to be Michael Turner of Jackson Solicitors, Newcastle. There is a firm named Jacksons […]
Last chance to book for SLC roadshow in Cambridge
Fraud and cyber crime event a ‘must attend’ for conveyancers.
Scam Alert Round up 11th April
Here are the most recent scam alerts issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Website for false legal firm “owenandharvey.com” A website has been set up claiming to be “Owen & Harvey Solicitors” at owenandharvey.com. The site uses the names, images and details of genuine solicitors, such as Burges Salmon LLP. The firm is not […]
Solicitors have lost £85 million to scammers in the last 18 months
Insurance company QBE says hackers have successfully hit 150 law firms in the past 18 months with ten times that number targeted. The insurance firm say criminals have made off with a total of £85 million in chunks of up to £1.9 million at a time. According to the Financial Times, one high street law firm […]
