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Fraud Prevention & Cybersecurity

Fraud Prevention & Cybersecurity

We’ve invested in advanced systems and staff training to ensure your information and transactions remain fully protected.

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Fraud Prevention

What to do if you suspect fraud or a scam

If you ever receive communication that seems suspicious, contact usdirectly through our verified channels, by phone, email, or via the Lyons Bowe App. You must make sure that you have confirmation from the person handling your matter that the request to send funds is legitimate. Always make sure you have done this via more than one method of communication and do not rely on email alone.

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Our Approach to Cybersecurity

We combine leading technology with a people-first approach to ensure your data is always secure. Our systems are regularly updated and tested, and our team receives ongoing cybersecurity training to identify and stop threats before they happen.
We combine leading technology with a people-first
approach to ensure your data is always secure. Our
systems are regularly updated and tested, and our team
receives ongoing cybersecurity training to identify and
stop threats before they happen.
Get in Contact

Real Scenarios

Email Interception During a Property Transaction

A homebuyer in the UK was preparing to transfer funds to complete their property purchase. Shortly before completion, they received an email appearing to come from their solicitor confirming the firm’s bank details. The email looked genuine, used the solicitor’s name, and referenced the correct property address. The buyer transferred the funds. Unfortunately, the email account had been compromised and the message had been intercepted and altered by fraudsters, sending the payment to a criminal bank account instead. This type of fraud is known as email modification fraud and has affected many property transactions in the UK.

Fraudsters Pretending to Be a Law Firm

Cyber criminals created a fake email address similar to a genuine law firm and contacted a client claiming to represent the firm. The client was asked to transfer funds to progress their matter. The firm had no knowledge of the request. This type of fraud is known as impersonation fraud, where criminals pretend to represent legitimate organisations.

Malware from a Suspicious Attachment

Cyber criminals created a fake email address similar to a genuine law firm and contacted a client claiming to represent the firm. The client was asked to transfer funds to progress their matter. The firm had no knowledge of the request. This type of fraud is known as impersonation fraud, where criminals pretend to represent legitimate organisations.

Fraudster Impersonating a Mortgage Lender

In this emerging type of fraud, criminals impersonate a mortgage lender rather than a solicitor. When a mortgage is being redeemed as part of a property sale, the fraudster intercepts communications and provides fake bank details, causing the redemption funds to be paid into a criminal account instead of to the genuine lender. This type of fraud is particularly difficult to detect because clients expect to receive payment instructions from their lender at that stage of a transaction.

Fraudulent Property Sale Vendor Fraud

Criminals stole the identity of a property owner who lived abroad and used forged documents to instruct a solicitor to sell the property. The genuine owner was entirely unaware. HM Land Registry flagged the application as suspicious, preventing registration, but not before significant legal costs had been incurred. HM Land Registry prevented fraudulent applications against more than £59 million worth of property in 2024–2025 alone. Owners who do not live in their property are especially vulnerable to this type of fraud.

Real Scenarios

Email Interception During a Property Transaction

A homebuyer in the UK was preparing to transfer funds to complete their property purchase. Shortly before completion, they received an email appearing to come from their solicitor confirming the firm’s bank details. The email looked genuine, used the solicitor’s name, and referenced the correct property address. The buyer transferred the funds. Unfortunately, the email account had been compromised and the message had been intercepted and altered by fraudsters, sending the payment to a criminal bank account instead. This type of fraud is known as email modification fraud and has affected many property transactions in the UK.

Fraudsters Pretending to Be a Law Firm

Cyber criminals created a fake email address similar to a genuine law firm and contacted a client claiming to represent the firm. The client was asked to transfer funds to progress their matter. The firm had no knowledge of the request. This type of fraud is known as impersonation fraud, where criminals pretend to represent legitimate organisations.

Malware from a Suspicious Attachment

Cyber criminals created a fake email address similar to a genuine law firm and contacted a client claiming to represent the firm. The client was asked to transfer funds to progress their matter. The firm had no knowledge of the request. This type of fraud is known as impersonation fraud, where criminals pretend to represent legitimate organisations.

Fraudster Impersonating a Mortgage Lender

In this emerging type of fraud, criminals impersonate a mortgage lender rather than a solicitor. When a mortgage is being redeemed as part of a property sale, the fraudster intercepts communications and provides fake bank details, causing the redemption funds to be paid into a criminal account instead of to the genuine lender. This type of fraud is particularly difficult to detect because clients expect to receive payment instructions from their lender at that stage of a transaction.

Fraudulent Property Sale Vendor Fraud

Criminals stole the identity of a property owner who lived abroad and used forged documents to instruct a solicitor to sell the property. The genuine owner was entirely unaware. HM Land Registry flagged the application as suspicious, preventing registration, but not before significant legal costs had been incurred. HM Land Registry prevented fraudulent applications against more than £59 million worth of property in 2024–2025 alone. Owners who do not live in their property are especially vulnerable to this type of fraud.

Fraud Prevention and Client Security

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Verify Before You Transfer

Before sending any money, always confirm payment detailsverballywith your solicitor. We will never change our bank details by email or text message, if you receive such communication, please contact us immediately.

Use Our Secure App and Lyons Bowe Portal

For your safety, all document sharing and case updates should be managed through theLyons Bowe Appor our secureLyons Bowe Portal. These platforms are fully encrypted, giving you 24/7 access to your matter with complete peace of mind.

Keep Sensitive Information Safe

Never send personal or financial details via unverified emails, text messages, or third-party links. If you receive a message that feels suspicious, do not click any links, instead, contact our team directly using the verified contact details on our website.

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Stay Alert and Report Concerns

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. If you receive unexpected communication requesting payments or personal data, please report it to ourFraud Prevention Teamimmediately atsecurity@lyonsbowe.co.ukor call
 01749 345756.

To protect yourself:

  • Always confirm payment details verbally with your solicitor before transferring money
  • Never rely solely on email or text message instructions for bank transfers.
  • manage your case and verify all communications safely.

Fraud Prevention and Client Security

icon yellow

Verify Before You Transfer

Before sending any money, always confirm payment detailsverballywith your solicitor. We will never change our bank details by email or text message, if you receive such communication, please contact us immediately.

Use Our Secure App and Lyons Bowe Portal

For your safety, all document sharing and case updates should be managed through theLyons Bowe Appor our secureLyons Bowe Portal. These platforms are fully encrypted, giving you 24/7 access to your matter with complete peace of mind.

Keep Sensitive Information Safe

Never send personal or financial details via unverified emails, text messages, or third-party links. If you receive a message that feels suspicious, do not click any links, instead, contact our team directly using the verified contact details on our website.

icon yellow

Stay Alert and Report Concerns

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. If you receive unexpected communication requesting payments or personal data, please report it to our Fraud Prevention Team immediately at security@lyonsbowe.co.uk or call
 01749 345756.

To protect yourself:

  • Always confirm payment details verbally with your solicitor before transferring money.
  • Never rely solely on email or text message instructions for bank transfers.
  • Use the Lyons Bowe App or our secure client portal to manage your case and verify all communications safely.

Recognised excellence

Awards and Accreditations

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The Lyons Bowe App

Simplifying Law through Technology

Forget the confusing lingo and overly wordy explanations. Our app makes sense of it all. Seamless, convenient and designed with you in mind.

Common Fraud Affecting Clients

property law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Phishing

family law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud

property law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Email Modification Fraud

family law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Impersonation Fraud

property law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Phishing

family law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud

property law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Email Modification Fraud

family law services in london - lyons bowe solicitors

Impersonation Fraud

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Frequently Asked Questions

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