SortRefer has warned brokers to be aware of the dangers of fraudsters taking advantage of email correspondence to divert funds passing between client and conveyancer.

This follows recent reports of the growing number of cases of online fraud.

SortRefer is recommending that brokers advise clients to be vigilant and take extra caution.

Kevin Tunnicliffe, SortRefer’s managing director, said that as panel manager of a group of conveyancers the firm takes client security “very seriously”.

He said: “Suppliers on the SortRefer panel regularly review their security protocols and all adhere to the highest industry standards in all aspects of the business, however a potential security breach is far more likely to occur on the client side than that of the solicitor.

“The key message to give clients is to remain vigilant when transferring large amounts of money. A law firm will never change its bank details, so if any of your clients receive a message to the contrary, they should make contact with their case handler immediately to check the validity.

“We are understandably trusting of our law firms, but a little bit of extra caution by both broker and client can ensure that fraudsters do not take advantage. It can be heartbreakingly expensive, if we don’t.”