Cyber Crime Statement
Important information regarding cybercrime. It has come to our attention that computer hackers are
seeking to target property transactions to access funds. As we understand it, they will either hack a
phone, tablet, or PC, maybe by sending out a random email that mistakenly gets opened, or even
whilst opening a website, which gives them access to that machine.
The reason for us mentioning this is to you is to alert you that once they have gained access, they can
monitor email correspondence, without you knowing, throughout a transaction. Then, at a relevant point,
e.g. just before the exchange of contracts, they can send an email to a client mirroring that of their solicitor
asking for funds to be transferred to a certain bank account. That money then, of course, disappears.
Fortunately, we have not had such an instance but, feel it important to highlight the fact that if you do
receive an email requesting funds, it is worth double-checking with the person concerned by phone that
it is genuine and the bank details are correct, before sending money. This could, of course, affect other
areas of finance beyond property. Many solicitors are starting to highlight this point now, but for safety,
we would urge you to be vigilant and check before sending money or passing on any personal details
regarding any bank or credit card information.
Contacting Us
To contact us, use any of the methods provided on our contact page.