One of our clients recently had an unsettling experience that highlights just how crucial it is to stay vigilant against cyber fraud.
Our client's email account had been hacked, which gave the hackers access to all of their correspondence history.
The hackers noticed that our client had been corresponding with one of our team members about an upcoming property purchase. Seizing the opportunity, these fraudsters initiated their own email thread, posing as our office and discussing next steps in the property transaction.
Impressively, the scammers were well-versed in the conveyancing process, crafting emails that sounded legitimate and convincing, making our client believe they were still dealing with us.
Thanks to our ongoing emphasis on cyber security, our client became suspicious and took the right step by calling us to verify. Thankfully, they trusted their instincts just in time. Given that this was a cash purchase exceeding $1 million, the situation could have been disastrous without their quick thinking.
Remember: your security is our top priority. We will NEVER send account details via email without also confirming them verbally. ALWAYS verify with us before making any transfers to protect your funds. It’s also very important to ensure that you keep your computer protected with up-to-date anti-virus software.
In summary:
when calling to check payment details, only use a phone number you have verified, for example a separate paper communication or checking the person’s website or yellow pages telephone listing;
contact the sender to check legitimacy before you open attachments, or click on hyperlinks or download buttons in unexpected emails; and
contact us immediately if in any doubt about emails or any other electronic communications that appear to have come from us.
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