How conveyancers can fight fraud in the digital age
Fraud has become more sophisticated, and the pressure is on conveyancers to adopt new strategies to fight it. Fortunately, anti-fraud and anti-money laundering tools are getting more sophisticated too.
What does property fraud look like in 2025?
The property market has always been a magnet for fraudsters, but in recent years their methods have become smarter and harder to spot.
Impersonation fraud, payment redirections scams, and manipulated ID documents are becoming increasingly common, and conveyancing firms are among the most frequent victims.
Consider the story of Mike Hall, the Luton vicar whose house was stolen in 2021 – almost from under his nose – by fraudsters who impersonated his identity simply by obtaining a driving licence in his name. Although Hall’s case eventually had a happy ending, it was mired in the courts for years.
And in 2025, generative AI has further blurred the lines between fiction and reality. We now know it’s possible to generate a picture-perfect passport or identity card with just a few well-worded prompts, raising the possibility of a whole range of Mike Halls in the future.
Where are firms most vulnerable to fraud?
Among the most common targets for fraudsters are the gaps created by manual processes and human error.
Firms that rely on scanned ID, manual or in-person verification, and email-based processes often fall victim to errors and inconsistencies. These can leave the door wide open to criminal actors.
These criminals are looking for weak links in your workflows, where due diligence has not been thoroughly applied.
How can technology help fight fraud?
As fraud has evolved, anti-fraud technology has had to play catch-up. Platforms have had to adapt fast to an increasing array of digital threats.
One way they’ve done this is by cross-referencing multiple sources of identity verification and financial health in order to develop a more holistic picture of potential clients.
That’s why platforms like Checkboard offer a layered approach to protection, including:
Biometric facial recognition with liveness checks
Instant screening against PEPs and sanctions databases
Real-time document validation
Secure source of funds tracing via open banking
This approach removes blind spots across your workflows in a way that enhances rather than hinders the client experience.
Going from reactive to proactive
Historically, many firms have approached fraud as something to be dealt with after the fact. That mindset has to shift. With real-time tools, you can embed fraud prevention at the very start of the onboarding process and detect red flags before the fraud is even committed
Those firms that make the shift now won’t just avoid losses: they’ll earn a reputation for security and professionalism that sets them apart from their competitors.
To find out how you can take that step, get in touch with us now.
A version of this article was originally published on Today’s Conveyancer. This version has been expanded and adapted for the Checkboard audience.
