Conveyancers are being encouraged to ask clients for a selfie to verify their identity as part of the latest anti-fraud measures.

The Conveyancing Association has launched an updated Cyberfraud and Fraud Protocol to help members avoid becoming victims of cybercrime.

One suggestion to avoid getting duped by a fraudster posing as a client is to conduct complete due diligence on a person’s identify such as electronic ID checks and taking and storing a picture of the customer in their office.

The guidance also suggests getting the person making a request to send a selfie at the same time if they are not being met in person.

It said: “If you are not meeting the client, then consider asking for a selfie of them holding their ID document with the photo page open. Asking an estate agent or mortgage broker to do this can add an extra barrier to fraudsters.”

The document also lists several common forms of cyberfraud:

Vishing: Using the telephone to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.

Malware: Short for malicious software, is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms of harmful or intrusive software or computer viruses.

Phishing: Attempts to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, often for malicious reasons, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication such as an email.

Smishing: Obtaining personal or financial details through a text message pretending to be from a trusted source.

Spear Phishing: Attempting to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, for malicious reasons, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an email. Targeting potential high-net worth individuals and intercepting their emails to misdirect funds while they are known to be away from the office.

CEO/Whaling Fraud: Hacking or spoofing the email of a senior manager/partner.

Conveyancers are also advised to use secure communication tools when taking bank details, ensure their insurance is up to date and to have a documented recovery plan in the case of a malware attack or virus on their computer system.

Beth Rudolf, director of delivery at the Conveyancing Association, said: “The issue of fraudulent activity around property sales has been much in the headlines again recently, with the news that one individual lost close to £600,000 after being duped by a fraudster purporting to be a solicitor via email communications with him. The level of loss in this case, and many others, is shocking, and our sympathies go out to those who have lost money to fraudsters.

“While in many cases the vulnerability is outside of the conveyancer’s control, the update to the Cyberfraud and Fraud Protocol is designed to highlight those important areas where fraudulent activity could take place and the methods that are being used. It enables firms to clarify whether their defences are fortified or if there is a potential for breaches, whether that be via the firm themselves or another party in the transaction.

“Putting in place a high level of anti-fraud measures, being certified under Cyber Essentials and achieving the Cyber Safe standards, shows that the conveyancing firm not only takes the issue incredibly seriously, but demonstrates to customers they have plans in place to protect them, their data and their money.

“We know that the threat from fraudsters will not stop, and they are constantly coming up with new methods, therefore firms have to be continually on their guard. By following our Protocol we believe they are covering off as many bases as possible and ensuring they are doing all they can in the fight against fraud.”