How to verify that a conveyancer is genuinely regulated

Verifying a conveyancer's regulated status takes under two minutes and is one of the most important steps you can take before transferring money. Conveyancing involves large transfers — deposits, purchase funds — and is a common target for fraud, including so-called “clone firm” scams where fraudsters impersonate real regulated firms.

Check directly with the regulator

There are two registers to check, depending on the type of firm:

• SRA (for solicitor firms): Search the SRA register by firm name. Confirm the firm name, registered address, and SRA number match exactly what the firm has told you. Note whether the firm is currently authorised — a firm can be on the register but with a suspended or revoked authorisation.
• CLC (for licensed conveyancer firms): Search the CLC register. The same principles apply — confirm name, address, and licence number.

Red flags for clone firm fraud

Clone firms copy the name and registration details of a real regulated firm but use different contact details. Signs to look for:

• Email address on a free domain (Gmail, Hotmail) rather than a professional domain
• Phone numbers that differ from those listed on the regulator's register
• Website address or contact address that differs from the registered firm
• Unexpected urgency about transferring funds quickly
• Late changes to bank account details — the real firm's bank account should remain consistent throughout your transaction

If you receive a request to change bank account details at any point during a transaction, call the firm directly using a phone number you independently verified from the regulator register — not a number provided in the suspicious email or letter.

Before transferring completion funds

Before sending any large sum — exchange deposit, completion funds — call the firm on a number from the official register and confirm the account details verbally. This step is strongly recommended by both the SRA and Action Fraud. A few minutes of verification can prevent a loss that is extremely difficult to recover.