Society warns of new client email scam

The Law Society of Scotland has warned of a new wave of fraudulent emails targeting Scottish solicitors and their clients.

Client email accounts are being hacked and emails sent to their solicitors, advising of changed of bank account details and requesting that funds are transferred to the new account.

The Society warns solicitors to be on alert when receiving any email from a client containing instructions regarding a financial transaction. As email accounts are susceptible to being hacked, solicitors should contact their client via other means to verify the instructions, such as calling or writing to the client using the number and/or address they have on file. They should verify the instructions directly with their client, before taking any action.

They should also ensure that all members of their team are aware of the risks and the proper procedures.

A suspected fraud, or other internet crime, should be reported on the Action Fraud website, and where a fraud or scam has actually taken place, it should be reported directly to Police Scotland.

The Society has published a cybersecurity guide for solicitors which includes advice in this situation.