Builders targeted by hackers

According to some reports, the construction industry is the victim of a hacking fraud based in West Africa,which can enable the fraudsters to access email accounts and sensitive data.

Building companies are getting hacked by unscrupulous gangs trying to get hold of their financial and email information. This is not a new scheme or scam, the targets are.

It originated with the “solicitor fraud”, where criminals intercepted emails between property buyers and conveyancers, then diverting important sums of money to their accounts. For payments by bank transfer the banks offer no protection.

The hackers are getting better at it and their English language has improved considerably, it is more convincing, which could suggest a connection to the huge Indian IT industry. Sometimes,the fraudsters will even attach real architectural drawings, a London or UK address and a phone number to the emails sent to building firms in order to be even more convincing.

It starts  with them getting hold of a legitimate email address in order to get credibility. Most times, the recipients are asked to download a file with Plans, Drawings,Specs from a website that was set up beforehand.

Once the builder or the building company downloads the so called Building Plans, a phishing software is installed on the computers allowing the hackers to monitor emails, passwords and other data.

There were cases last year when the scammers have taken over a building company email account and impersonated them by asking clients to make payments for the ongoing jobs to a new bank account.

Examples of a scam email :

Subject: Builder Needed Urgently.
Good day,
Am in need of a professional to handle the building of our home and an extension on one of other properties. We are currently engaged with structural engineers and building regulations consultants, along with our architects, to complete a full specification package for the build project that is to undergo complete rebuild we still have till next year to get it done but we will need a professional to take a look

Are you interested in pricing and having a look at the plan so as to forward on your response as well as arrange site visit to go through the cost rate of your supply, look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,

Michael Rutherford

We are in the process of obtaining quotes for some building work we would like to have carried out.

We would like to change the position of quite a number of things has there are other bits of work that will also need doing,

Please could you advise if you are able to offer a quote for our carpentry/joinery & scaffolding works and what you require to be able to provide it,
Kindly get back to me with more information, so I could forward our plans and more details to you, look forward to your reply.

Many thanks
Watson Builders
Steve Pearce

Extension Project

Hello ,
I was referred by a friend you previously worked for. I am looking for a quote for a Extension work on my building

Please view project attached initial plans and elevation drawings for the Project.

I would appreciate if you could get back to me soon.
Regards

Have a great day!

Have a great day!

Sharesz T. Wilkinson

Building service inquiry

Hi,

We’re looking to carry out some building services at my house and I wanted to get an initial ball-park quote for the work.

Please could you advise if you are able to handle the works and what you require to be able to provide it.

Kindly get back to me so i could forward our detail plans to you.

Many thanks
Jack Reed

Bill Clapton <billclaptonjiv@hotmail.com

I have heard a lot of your good works on your previous building contracts and i would like your company to work for us , its still in the very early stages of planning our new house and i have been investigating alternative building products , we love the sound of your building ethos and would love the opportunity to work with you . Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Hello,

Am interested in inviting quotes from your firm, it involves repair work / renovations of my home,bathrooms,kitchens and installation of cabinets. I already have drawings sketched by my architect. If interested i could forward drawings so project can proceed anytime soon.

Thanks

Greetings to you,

Am pleased to come across your company and read through your page got me satisfied.
I would be glad to have your expert team to view my new project Design and construction also Interior Designers and let me know the quotes for the specific plan and know what time frame at your availability to handle this project for my family.
please kindly get back to me if your timeline accepts a new project,so that i can send more details

Regards

Hello,
I intend to embark on a construction project and your firm was recommended by HOUZZ, I need an appraisal for this project and an assessment of the plans i have.