Payment Security & Scam
Awareness Guide
Your Security Is Important To Us
Property transactions are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals who intercept email communications and attempt to redirect settlement funds. Losses from payment redirection fraud in Australia run into the tens of millions of dollars each year.
This guide has been prepared to help you protect your money and personal information throughout your settlement.
Common Property Settlement Scams
Payment Redirection Scam
A criminal gains access to email communications between parties and sends fake payment instructions, redirecting funds to an account they control. By the time the fraud is discovered, the money is usually gone and very difficult to recover.
Email Impersonation (Spoofing)
An email appears to come from your settlement agent, bank, or real estate agent, but the sender's address has been subtly altered (e.g. "platinumss.com" instead of "platinumss.com.au"). These emails can look completely genuine, including correct logos and sign-off names.
Urgent Payment Requests
Scammers create artificial urgency — claiming your settlement will fall through, a deadline is about to pass, or funds must be transferred immediately. This pressure is designed to stop you from pausing to verify. Legitimate settlement agents will never pressure you to transfer funds without giving you time to confirm details.
Identity Theft and Document Fraud
Criminals may impersonate buyers, sellers, or other parties by submitting forged identity documents or signing authorities. This is particularly relevant in transactions involving overseas parties or where parties are not meeting face-to-face.
Phone Call Impersonation
Scammers may phone you claiming to be your settlement agent or bank, asking you to confirm account details or transfer funds urgently. Always hang up and call us back on our published number if you receive an unexpected call about payment.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
How to Protect Yourself
Always verify bank account details by telephone before transferring funds.
Never rely solely on information received by email.
Carefully check email addresses for unusual spelling or extra characters.
Contact us immediately if anything appears suspicious.
2.
Call our office on
0402 585 615
to alert us
3.
Report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au or 1300 795 995
4.
Report to the police via the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au
1.
Stop any pending transfers immediately and contact your bank
Frequently asked questions
Verify account details by telephone.
Check the BSB and account number carefully.
Confirm the account name.
Be cautious of urgent requests.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi when accessing online banking.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication where available.
Contact us if you have any doubts.
Professional. Personal. Trusted.
Payment Safety Tips
STOP & VERIFY
BEFORE YOU PAY
Never transfer funds based solely on email instructions. If in doubt, contact Platinum Settlement Services before making any payment.