Which case emphasised the importance of due diligence in respect of identity?

• A. Dreamvar v Mishcon De Reya 2018
• B. Long and Fever
• C. Office v Client Account
• D. SRA Guidance

Answer: (A)

Verifying who you are dealing with and the authenticity of documents is essential in property transactions to prevent conveyancing fraud. Dreamvar v Mishcon De Reya (2018) highlights this by showing that solicitors must carry out robust identity verification and anti-money laundering checks, and not rely solely on documents provided by clients or third parties. The case involved a sale where forged documents and identity fraud affected the buyer, and the decision underscored that professionals have to perform independent checks to confirm the true identity of the parties and the legitimacy of title documents. This emphasis on due diligence in respect of identity serves as a clear reminder that proper identity verification is a core safeguard in the conveyancing process and helps protect clients from loss due to fraud.