Norfolk-based estate agency, Sowerbys, has informed its clients and registered applicants to be careful, asking them to exercise “caution” and vigilance after a hacking incident involving its email systems was discovered.
The estate agency reportedly issued an apology to customers earlier this week following fraudulent activity that caused a spam email to be sent by criminals posing as a member of the Sowerbys team. The company is now warning anyone transacting funds to “exercise additional caution” following the data breach.
Sowerbys said in an email sent to customers:
“We are aware some Sowerbys customers have received a spam email signed from ‘Aaron Watson’, a member of our team.
Please be assured we are aware of the issue and are working closely with our IT support to resolve things as quickly as possible.
Anyone transacting funds today are urged to exercise additional caution and call to confirm with your solicitor first. Customers are reminded to always remain vigilant and discard emails with spam or unusual content.
We will provide a further update in due course and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. Should you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact your local branch.”
Tom Durbin St George, Managing Director of Dye & Durham UK & Ireland, leading provider of cloud-based software and technology solutions for legal and business professionals, commented:
“Unfortunately, the ramifications of cyber-attacks across the conveyancing industry are increasing with media reports of scams and fraud becoming ever more commonplace. We know criminals target professionals involved in the home-moving process as they’re potentially prosperous victims. Due diligence and cyber secure processes are necessary precautions, especially as our evolving home and hybrid-work lifestyles present even more opportunities for fraudsters to strike.
In the first half of 2021 Lawyer Checker, a Dye & Durham Solution, issued over 1,300 notices – a 78% increase compared with 2020, to our legal clients, protecting their transactions. Although nothing is 100% guaranteed, defence strategies can be implemented to safeguard against fraud and make company networks more secure.”
