An email hacker in China appears to be targeting UK agents in a bid to spread a computer virus via emails sent from bogus ‘buyers’ pretending to be interested in properties for sale, it has been reported.

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) is warning all estate and letting agents to be vigilant after a TPO member was targeted by the individual.

The agency, which has not been named, was contacted by a Chinese buyer who expressed keen interest in a property for sale.

But when the agent became suspicious about the buyer’s wish to purchase the property quickly and without seeing it, he challenged the individual to supply identification documents before the purchase could proceed any further.

He agent told TPO that documents sent over by the Chinese individual were difficult to open and, after passing them to their IT department, it was confirmed the documents contained malware including a series of “potentially destructive viruses”, TPO says.

“Fortunately in this case, the scam was identified and no company or customer details were compromised.,” says Gerry Fitzjohn, Board Chairman for TPO commented.

“However, this is a reminder to all agents to be both cautious and vigilant. The importance of antivirus software is a given, but it is not a guarantee against computer viruses, so the best defence is also an educated user.

“If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. We would urge all agents to circulate this warning amongst staff.”