Another example of scam request to act in conveyancing transaction

08/11/2017 16:41:00

The Society has been made aware of another scam email received by members of the profession, requesting that the solicitor act in a conveyancing transaction (copy below).

Please note that this is a scam email. Opening the attachment is likely to result in malware being installed on that machine. It is noted that this email contains:

  • unusual language and grammatical errors,
  • no phone numbers or address for the person sending it and
  • no specific name in the To field so you cannot see who the email has been sent to (as if it was done by multiple bcc鈥檚).

These indicators should raise concerns as to the veracity of the email.  Where such concerns arise the profession are advised to attempt to contact the purported sender by a secure means, for example, phonecall or post, before opening on any attachments or clicking on any links.

These type of emails can be used by the 鈥渃lient鈥/fraudster in a number of ways. Some of the emails contain an attachment, such as a contract, which when opened would install malware onto the computer, giving the fraudster access to the practice鈥檚 system. 

Also, the emails are often used to launder money.  If the solicitor agrees to act for the 鈥渃lient鈥 money will be sent to the solicitor鈥檚 client account.  The solicitor will then receive instructions on where to send the money, resulting in it being 鈥渓aundered鈥 through the client account.

Email Example

From: Louise Maureen <millibak@outlook.com>

Sent: 08 November 2017 08:25

Subject: ENQUIRY

I want you to aid on purchase a property for i and my husband as tenants in common which provides a bit more flexibility when it comes to estate planning. Because as joint tenants, 1 and my husband own 100% of the house. If either of us dies, the house passes to the survivor automatically and any plans i might want to do in your Will is ignored.

But as tenants in common, each of i and my husband own a distinct 50% of the house.  If either of us dies, I can direct where i want my half of the house to go in my Will.

It may be that i would want the house to pass to the survivor in any case, but owning it as tenants in common just provides a bit of flexibility (e.g. if there was some tax planning or asset protection which could be done in relation to the house on any of our deaths). Please advise on the necessary procedure and guideline for purchase.

Kind regards

Louise Maureen

millibak@outlook.com