02 August 2018
Law Society warns public to be vigilant against scammers
The Law Society of Northern Ireland has warned that those involved in conveyancing transactions should always 'check and double check' to avoid being scammed.
The warning follows an increase in reports to the Society regarding cyber-crime attacks on solicitor firms and clients many of which have become victims of identity theft, mail forwarding Trojans, false emails and hijacking of desktops by scammers.
Reports have indicated that in many instances those targeted were found to be using FREE email addresses which use shared servers.
Scammers who access the FREE email accounts then monitor and intercept email communications particularly those which are of a financial nature such as conveyancing transactions.
The advice is:
*If you involved in buying or selling a house you must always check with all parties concerned.
*Do not rely on email as the sole means to contact all parties.
*Be very careful when using any 'free' email accounts
*Pick up the telephone and speak to the parties involved.
*If you receive a request, often at the last minute, indicating a change in bank details you should immediately contact your solicitor, bank and all parties to verify.
*Immediately pick up the phone & check!!!