How to Protect Yourself From Conveyancing Scams in NSW: A Guide for Home Buyers
Buying property is exciting — but it also comes with risks. In the news this weekend we saw a couple lose $250,000.00 deposit to a scam email!
NSW has seen a sharp rise in email payment scams, fraudulent bank details, and business email compromise targeting buyers during conveyancing. These scams often occur right before settlement when large sums of money are due, making them especially devastating.
At eConveyancing NSW, client protection is one of our highest priorities. Below is a practical guide to help you recognise, avoid, and respond to conveyancing-related fraud.
Why Conveyancing Scams Are Increasing in NSW
Property transactions involve high-value payments, tight settlement deadlines, and multiple parties (buyers, sellers, agents, solicitors, banks). Cybercriminals take advantage of this by intercepting or impersonating legitimate communication, often via email.
Common NSW conveyancing scam methods include:
- Fake bank account details sent to buyers before settlement
- Spoofed emails that look identical to your solicitor or real estate agent
- Hacked email accounts used to send fraudulent instructions
- Last-minute “urgent” changes to payment instructions
These scams are sophisticated, professional, and often difficult to detect — which is why prevention is critical.
8 Essential Ways to Protect Yourself During NSW Property Transactions
- Always Verify Bank Details by Phone
Never transfer funds based on email instructions alone.
Always call your solicitor or conveyancer on a verified phone number (not one provided in the email) to confirm bank details before making any payment.
- Be Cautious With Last-Minute Changes
Any update to payment instructions, especially close to settlement, should be treated as suspicious until confirmed. We will never change our bank account details. Professional firms rarely change trust account details.
- Check Email Addresses Carefully
Cybercriminals often alter just one letter, number, or domain.
For example:
- legitimate: name@nswlegal.com.au
- fraudulent: name@nswIegal.com
Even the smallest change is a red flag.
- Use Secure Document Portals
We at eConveyancing NSW use:
- encrypted portals
- secure messaging
These systems add a layer of protection not available through standard email.
- Protect Your Own Email Account
Buyers are often targeted because their emails are easier to compromise than law firms’.
Use:
- strong, unique passwords
- multi-factor authentication
- up-to-date antivirus software
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi When Handling Property Documents
Logging into your email or online banking on shared networks exposes your information to interception.
- Confirm Trust Account Details Early
Request written trust account details from the agent at the beginning of your matter.
This minimises the chance of falling for fraudulent “updated details” sent later.
- Choose eConveyancing NSW With Strong Cybersecurity Processes
A reputable conveyancing solicitor will have clear systems in place, including:
- strict verification protocols
- secure communication methods
- warnings about how payments should and should not be made
If the firm does not proactively discuss security, that’s a concern.
Signs You May Be Targeted by a Conveyancing Scam
Contact your solicitor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Email tone or writing style that feels “off”
- Unexpected urgency in messages
- Requests to “keep this between us”
- Bank details originating from new or unverified email addresses
- Incorrect or missing legal disclaimers
Even one small warning sign is enough reason to stop and verify.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Paid the Wrong Account
If you believe you’ve transferred money to a scammer:
- Contact your bank immediately to lodge a fraud report.
- Notify your solicitor at once.
- Report the scam to police and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
- Act within minutes — speed is crucial to recovering funds.
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is the Best Protection
Conveyancing scams in NSW are becoming more advanced each year, but with careful steps and the right legal support, buyers can stay safe. Your trusted eConveyancing NSW solicitor will guide you through the entire process securely — ensuring your settlement runs smoothly and your funds remain protected.
If you’re buying or selling property in NSW and want a conveyancing team that prioritises safety, transparency, and secure communication, eConveyancing NSW is here to help.
Contact us today for secure and reliable conveyancing services on hello@eConveyancingNSW.com.au or call on 02 8812 5459.