The email requests that the recipient act in a conveyancing transaction on behalf of a client of the purported practice. A copy is displayed below.

Receipt of an e-mail such as this would be unexpected and unusual. It is also noted that the e-mail is not addressed specifically to an individual and the solicitor is being requested to act in a cash purchase. These indicators should raise concerns as to the veracity of the e-mail. 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 responding, opening any attachments or clicking on any links (Please ensure to obtain the phone number via a reliable source, such as a Law Directory, or in this case from the Solicitors Regulation Authority).

In this case, via a Google search it can be identified that the practice of Heritage Solicitors is based in 206 Rookery Road and not 206 Rockery Road as set out in the email. Also a search for the practice on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website indicates that there is no solicitor by the name of Elizabeth Moore, who is set out as the principal/solicitor, in the practice.

This type of e-mail can be used by the fraudster to identify a person susceptible to the fraud and they would then provide them with further information to allow the fraud be perpetrated. The fraudster would use this method to allow them to launder money. If the solicitor agrees to act for the “client” money will be sent to the solicitor’s client account. The solicitor will then receive instructions on where to send the money, resulting in it being “laundered” through the client account.

Example of e-mail

From: Elizabeth Moore [mailto:Elizabeth.Moore@heritagesolicitors.com]
Sent: 09 May 2019 10:33
To: ezine
Subject: Conveyancing Request

Dear sir,
We write to inquire if you would be interested in taking up a conveyancing job of a client of ours.
Our firm specialises basically in immigration law and wills. Our client is a UK and Chinesse citizen and his purchase would be financed through cash proceeds from the sale of his home back in China.
Please do confirm if you are interested in carrying out the conveyancing process to enable us send over details of both works so you can go through it and get back to me with your quotes and legal fees to enable you act on thier behalf within a proper time frame if your fees are accepted.

I await your reply.

Regards

Elizabeth Moore

Principal/Solicitor
Heritage Solicitors LLP
Lombard House
206 Rockery Road
501-614-4417
Fax- 502-326-2220

www.heritagesolicitors.com

This office is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Practice No: 508443). For more information on the rules governing this office please visit their website www.sra.org.uk.
This document and any attachments contain information belonging to Heritage Solicitors which may be privileged, confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication you are advised that any disclosure, copying, dissemination or taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this email is strictly prohibited and is a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail and any attachment from your system.

Warning: Online fraud is a real risk. Please note that Heritage Solicitors bank account details will NOT change during the course of a transaction. If you receive an email apparently from us saying where to pay funds, please call us. We will not accept responsibility if you transfer money into an incorrect bank account.

Please note that our offices opening & closing times are 10 am til 4 pm