Email Contains Verification Reference
The customer receives an email with sensitive instructions (bank details, payment info, etc.) from their solicitor. The email includes a clear verification snippet that directs them to verify the information authenticity.
📧 Scenario
Sarah Mitchell is purchasing a property. She receives completion payment instructions from her solicitor, David Thompson at Shepherd+Wedderburn.
Dear Ms. Mitchell,
Further to our conversation earlier today, please find below the bank details for transferring your completion funds for the purchase of 42 Maple Avenue, London SW1A 1AA.
Bank Transfer Details:
Account Name: Shepherd+Wedderburn Client Account
Sort Code: 20-00-00
Account Number: 12345678
Reference: MITCHELL-42MAPLE
Amount: £450,000.00
Please ensure the funds reach our account by 10:00 AM on Friday, 13th December 2025 to allow completion to proceed as scheduled.
If you have any questions or concerns about these details, please contact me immediately.
Best regards,
David Thompson
Senior Associate
Shepherd+Wedderburn
020 7123 4567
To confirm these instructions came from us:
REF-9F2A-47B1
💡 What the Customer Sees
Normal Email Content
The email contains all the usual information—bank details, instructions, amounts. Nothing changes in how solicitors write emails.
Verification Snippet
A clearly marked section at the bottom tells the customer: "Verify these instructions on our website before acting."
Clear Instructions
Step-by-step guidance: visit the firm's website, enter the reference code, get instant confirmation.
Security First
The snippet emphasizes: "Don't just trust the email"—verify on the firm's official domain before transferring money.
🔄 The Trust Shift
❌ Before Undoubt
- Customer trusts the email blindly
- No way to verify authenticity
- Vulnerable to phishing attacks
- Fear and uncertainty
✅ With Undoubt
- Customer verifies on firm's website
- Cryptographic proof of authenticity
- Phishing sites cannot fake it
- Confidence and peace of mind