26 April 2018

Cyber crime and fraud: how you can help us to mitigate it.

In our world that is becoming increasingly dependent on technology, it is important that we are all aware of some of the risks associated with it.

Our existing clients will already be aware that we will not provide bank account details by email or accept any payment instructions by email. We have updated our practices to do all that we can to avoid the risk of sensitive information being interception by email from our end or yours. However, this is a risk that we urge our clients to be alert to and if you do receive any communication purporting to be from us about a change of bank details, it almost certainly will not be genuine please get in touch with us immediately.

It is not as difficult as one might think to impersonate a solicitor or a solicitor’s firm and if you have any concerns or suspicions that the person you are dealing with is not who they claim to be, please ensure that you remain diligent. There are a number of things you can do to ease your mind such as calling the firm that you are dealing with (using an independent source to obtain the contact details such as previous unrelated correspondence received from the firm or using the Law Society Find a Solicitor service online) and asking to speak with the fee earner you are dealing with or their supervisor.

We currently operate from one office and do not have any plans in the foreseeable future to set up an office somewhere else. Some fraudsters have been known to set up fake websites purporting to be a legitimate firm and/or new or branch offices of legitimate firms.

There are also certain types of properties that are more susceptible to being targeted by fraudsters and it is worthwhile for our clients to be aware of them:

• tenanted properties;

• unoccupied properties;

• high value properties without a mortgage; and

• properties undergoing redevelopment.

We recommend that you ensure that you keep your contact address details up to date at the Land Registry and signing up to the Land Registry’s “Property Alert Service” to minimise the risk of being targeted by fraudsters.

If you would like any information about how to ensure your contact details are up to date at the Land Registry or you would like to know how to register for the Property Alert Service, please contact us.