Protecting your home purchase from fraud: deposits, bank details and title alerts

Updated 15 October 2026

Sending a large deposit by bank transfer makes home buyers a target for email interception scams. Fraudsters pose as your conveyancer and send "updated" bank details.

Before you pay

Phone your conveyancer on a number you've checked independently (not one from the email) to confirm the account details before any transfer.
Treat any email that changes bank details as suspicious.
Consider sending a small test payment first, and confirm it arrived by phone.

After you own it

HM Land Registry offers free property alerts for up to 10 properties. You'll be emailed if someone applies to change the register, for example to take out a mortgage on your home. Owners who don't live at the property, such as landlords, can also ask for a free restriction on their title (gov.uk).

If something goes wrong

Call your bank immediately, then contact the HM Land Registry property fraud team and report it to Report Fraud (contact details on gov.uk).

Estimate only, not financial, mortgage or legal advice. Uses England and Northern Ireland SDLT rates (gov.uk). Not for Scotland or Wales. Your conveyancer confirms the actual SDLT.

Try the free Stamp Duty calculator or get the £7 Home Buying & Moving Planner.

Rates checked on 15 October 2026 against official sources: gov.uk SDLT residential rates · HMRC SDLT calculator.

General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Our liability is capped at the price paid, as far as the law allows. Your statutory rights are not affected. See the terms of sale. · All Kept Sheets