OneSearch Direct, one of the UK’s leading property search firms, has announced it can now provide an automated facility to access Lawyer Checker results.
Conveyancing fraud is a very real and omnipresent threat that only continues to hang over the industry like a dark cloud. Year on year since 2012, the industry has seen an exponential increase in Vendor Conveyancer Fraud.
The Lawyer Checker database demonstrates whether or not an account has had a track record of successful use within conveyancing.
Since its inception, Lawyer Checker has featured widely as the industry expert against conveyancing fraud, across mainstream media such as BBC Radio Four’s Money Box, BBC One’s “Fake Britain” and The Sunday Times.
Don Belcher, head of channel, OneSearch Direct, comments: “Checking the roll of solicitors is no longer enough. Law firms have an obligation to ensure that funds transferred during property transactions are assigned to legitimate recipients, now our clients have access to the entire range of checks that Lawyer Checker carries out, giving enhanced due diligence to any law firm who employs its use.
“This integration of Lawyer Checker means conveyancing professionals will be able to perform checks at the click of a button through OneSearch Direct,” continues Belcher. “Law firms and conveyancers can be assured Lawyer Checker will further mitigate risk. It will also help reduce possible professional negligence claims, thus limiting the potential for increased PI insurance premiums, as well as reputation damage to the individual law firm.”
Jenny Owen, project manager, Lawyer Checker stated; “Having worked with OneSearch Direct for over a year, we are thrilled to have such a long-established search provider now fully integrate with us. Presently, we have over 400 firms that use our service regularly; with many firms adopting Lawyer Checker for every case. Our checks can catch interventions, changes in CQS status and disciplinary matters against a firm or its staff.
“Where we identify an account number with an infrequent track record of success, the AES (Account and Entity Screen) search gives a firm supporting evidence to be used as they choose,” continues Owen. “If a firm and its fee earners would like specific advice or training about what to do in the event of an infrequent result, we are very happy to work with OneSearch Direct and assist. In this way, Lawyer Checker offers peace of mind to both the legal practitioner and the client, whether borrower or lender, reducing uncertainty in an insecure era for conveyancers and purchasers alike.”
For more information call OneSearch Direct on 0800 052 0117, or visit www.onesearchdirect.co.uk.
