A Warner family’s dream of homeownership has turned into a nightmare after they fell victim to a sophisticated email scam and lost their entire $40,000 house deposit.
Christine and David Rose, along with their four children, were just days away from settling on their first home together when they were targeted by cyber criminals who infiltrated an email chain between the couple and their conveyancing lawyer.
The Roses believed that a routine email requesting the final deposit instalment was from their lawyer. The fraudulent emails were highly convincing, featuring authentic-looking signatures and letterheads, and originated from what appeared to be the lawyer’s legitimate email address. Unaware of the deception, Mrs. Rose transferred the $40,000, believing she was completing the final step in their home-buying journey.
Just days later, the family realised they had been scammed. “It is gut-wrenching,” Mrs Rose said, highlighting the seven years of savings and hard work to secure their first home together. The situation is particularly stressful as their current rental property is for sale, with their lease set to expire in three weeks. The ongoing open homes and uncertainty surrounding their living situation have affected the entire family.
The incident has left the Roses feeling deeply vulnerable and shaken. Mrs Rose described the violation of having their private financial affairs exploited and expressed her newfound anxiety about online security. She warned that this type of scam could happen to anyone.
Despite the setback, the family is determined to purchase their home. They have reported the crime to their bank, the scammer’s bank, and the Queensland Police Cyber Crime Department. While the bank has only recovered $3,000, the Roses have secured a loan to cover the lost deposit, albeit with significant financial implications for their future. They have also launched a fundraising page to help alleviate the burden caused by this ordeal.
This incident is a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of online scams and the importance of vigilance in online communication. Even seemingly secure email exchanges can be compromised, highlighting the need for individuals to verify information through multiple channels before making significant financial transactions.
Published Date 03-December-2024
