Third example of scam request to act in conveyancing transaction
13/10/2017 15:46:00The Society has been made aware of further scam e-mails received by members of the profession, requesting that the solicitor act in a conveyancing transaction.
It is noted that the emails contains unusual language, uses a foreign currency and you often 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 emails. 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 examples
From: "Neil O'brien" <obrienneil50@gmail.com>
Date: 11 October 2017 at 23:17:21 IST
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Legal Services
Dear,
If it's not too much trouble take this as affirmation that I wish you to follow up for my benefit for the buy of a property in Dublin.
I have had my offer acknowledged at 拢1.5M
In a perfect world, I might want to finish inside a month or two and no more.
I am financing the buy through individual money and crossing over advance.
It is a freehold property, I will forward archives or data required once I get a reaction from you.
If you don't mind affirm that you can follow up for my benefit and to my time allotment.
Yours genuinely,
O'brien Neil
obrienneil50@gmail.com
Another scam email example
From: Scott Brotherstone <scott@stbprojectservices.com>
Date: 13 October 2017 at 14:32:02 IST
Subject: Conveyance Services
Reply-To: Scott Brotherstone <scott@stbprojectservices.com>
Dear,
Please take this as confirmation that I wish you to act on my behalf for the purchase of a property.
I have had my offer aknowledged at $1M
Ideally, I would like to complete within a month or two at most.
I am financing the purchase through personal cash and bridging loan.
It is a freehold property.
Please confirm asap that you are able to act on my behalf and to my time-frame.
Yours sincerely
Director
Scott Brotherstone
STB Project Services LTD, 4 lindsaylands industrial EST, Biggar, South Lanarkshire
W -www.stbprojectservices.com
E -scott@stbprojectservices.com
T - 0189 29 199
M 鈥 0764 59 982