How to Guard Against Payment Diversion Fraud in Property Sales

Urgent Campaign Launches to Combat Payment Diversion Fraud

The rising threat of fraud in property transactions has garnered attention from authorities as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and The Law Society unite to launch a new campaign aimed at protecting both solicitors and their clients against payment diversion fraud. This initiative, part of the Home Office's national Stop! Think Fraud campaign, aims to raise awareness and equip legal professionals with strategies to combat this alarming trend.

Understanding Payment Diversion Fraud

Payment diversion fraud involves criminals subverting legitimate transactions by impersonating solicitors or estate agents to redirect property funds. Victims might unknowingly transfer large sums of money—often life-changing amounts—into the hands of fraudsters who exploit communication channels. The figures are startling: from April 2024 to March 2025, Action Fraud recorded 143 instances of this fraud type, with victims losing an average of £82,000 each. The demographic of victims often skews younger compared to other fraud categories, with many individuals in their 30s and 40s falling prey to these schemes.

The Impact on Trust in Legal and Financial Systems

As Nick Sharp, deputy director of fraud at the NCA, highlights, payment diversion fraud not only causes financial ruin but also erodes trust in the legal and financial systems. The confidence clients place in their solicitors is pivotal for a smooth transaction process; when fraud occurs, it can lead to both financial and emotional distress.

Prevention Strategies: Empowering Solicitors and Clients

To mitigate risks, the NCA and The Law Society provide practical guidelines for solicitors and clients alike. One recommended strategy is the 'CHECK' method: always call directly before transferring money, as emails can be manipulated. Another effective measure is to 'TEST' the authenticity of banking details by sending a nominal sum before larger transactions.

A Shared Responsibility

Richard Atkinson, president of The Law Society of England and Wales, noted the cooperative effort between the NCA and The Law Society is essential in training solicitors to recognize and prevent these frauds. Solicitors are on the front line and must act as the first defense for their clients. They themselves should ensure that they verify their own processes are secure, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions and educating clients not to disclose information on social media that could lead to vulnerability.

Going Beyond Awareness: A Cultural Shift is Needed

The campaign seeks not only to inform but also to create a cultural shift in how transactions are approached. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, adapting their tactics based on technological advances and market trends. Consequently, legal professionals must foster an environment where questioning and verifying information becomes standard practice during transactions.

Taking Action: What You Can Do

As a professional in the real estate sector, whether you're a solicitor or involved in property sales, understanding and disseminating this information to clients is crucial. Emphasize to clients the importance of following the established protocols. Encourage them to report any suspicious communications to both their banks and relevant authorities such as Action Fraud. By doing so, everyone plays a part in curbing this rising threat.

Conclusion: Join the Fight Against Fraud

As the campaign unfolds, it is vital for all stakeholders in property transactions to engage with these strategies actively. Increasing vigilance and fostering a culture where checking and confirming details is routine will go a long way in preventing fraud within property sales. Let's work together to ensure safer transactions and protect what is often the biggest investment in a person's life—home ownership.