Buyer Swindled Out of £70,000 in Convincing Property Scam
A woman buying a Hertfordshire property was duped into handing over £70,500 to a criminal gang, police have revealed. The fraudsters used a Gravesend bank account to trick her, sending fake emails impersonating her conveyancing solicitor. Detectives warn home buyers to stay sharp amid rising property scams.
Fake Solicitor Email Sees Buyer Transfer Huge Funds
On April 15, 2021, the victim received an email claiming to be from her solicitor’s office. It instructed her to send payment to a new bank account — different from the one she had been given before. When she asked about the change, she was reassured the firm ran two accounts. Trusting the explanation, she transferred £70,500.
It later emerged the email was part of an elaborate fraud scheme. The victim reported the scam to police, kicking off an investigation by Kent Police’s Economic Crime Unit.
Gang’s Gravesend ‘Money Mule’ Caught and Slapped with Suspended Sentence
Detectives traced the stolen cash to a business account controlled by Kimberley Abdul, 36, from Gravesend. Within days, Abdul shuffled the money through several accounts and splashed over £900 on personal spending.
Arrested in July 2021, Abdul faced charges of concealing and transferring criminal property. At Woolwich Crown Court, she was handed an 18-month suspended sentence, 20 days of rehabilitation, and 100 hours of unpaid work.
Detective Constable Lee Preston said: “These gangs spy on buyers and email them to reroute payments into accounts they control. The account holders keep a cut before passing the rest up the chain. Abdul’s role allowed the real criminals to stay hidden. She should be thoroughly ashamed.”
Police Urge Caution: Verify Before You Transfer
Fortunately, the victim managed to recover her money. But police warn this scam serves as a stark warning for anyone sending large sums.
“If you get an unexpected email or call telling you to pay into a different account, stop and verify by ringing the organisation on a known number,” Preston advised.
If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to Kent Police, call 999 for emergencies, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
