Increase in scam emails purporting to enclose Memorandum of Sales

17/04/2018 09:20:30

Solicitors may have recently received an email from a ‘practice’ relating to a sale of property.

Signs of a scam

The recipient practice had never had any dealings with the fraudulent practice. Furthermore, the purported practice name included “LLP” (Limited Liability Partnership), which is not available in the Republic of Ireland, however the address is in Dublin. This should immediately raise concerns as to the veracity of the email.

The Law Society advises:

  • Before acting on an email where a suspicion arises, members of the profession are advised to contact the purported sender by a secure means, such as phonecall or post.

  • If the attachment was opened, it is advised that you immediately contact your IT provider. Ensure that your system is checked for, and, if necessary, cleaned of any malware found.

Scam email

“Subject To Contract/ Contract Denied

Dear XXXX,

Apologies For The Delay. We Hereby Attach Signed Memorandum Of Sales For Your Attention. Kindly Go Through And Direct All Queries To Us.

We Await Your Response.

Regards

Juliana Lamberts -  SENIOR PARTNER

Kingston & Co. Solicitors LLP. 

NOTE  : (This Attachment Is Solely Meant For ##EMAIL## Only, And Cannot Be Accessed By Unauthorized Third Parties)

North Bank House, Burrow Street, 8 Dublin Road Ireland, 7U33TY  44TWA”