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Victoria’s consumer affairs watchdog has revealed it is taking disciplinary action against an Avondale Heights conveyancer for the alleged misuse of client funds.
Consumer Affairs Victoria said it is taking Loan Hong Tran to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on the grounds that “she breached her professional obligations under the Conveyancers (Professional Conduct) Regulations 2018”.
Consumer Affairs is alleging that after receiving sale proceeds or settlement funds, Ms Tran then transferred the money into personal accounts.
At the time of the alleged conduct, Ms Tran was working as a sole trader under the registered business name P.T. Conveyancing.
She is also alleged to have provided receipts to some clients, stating the funds had been appropriately deposited into the company’s trust account, when a company trust account reportedly did not exist.
Consumer Affairs said clients had been unable to contact the conveyancer despite many attempts over several months, and a total of eight clients who had engaged Ms Tran’s services to buy or sell property are currently owed more than $4.6 million.
The alleged conduct period spanned from February 2022 until early 2023.
Facing a potential permanent conveyancing industry ban, Consumer Affairs also noted that Ms Tran is also facing separate criminal charges initiated by other law enforcement agencies.
Weighing in on the matter, Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich said Ms Tran’s alleged actions have had “a significant impact on her clients”.
“Clients place their trust in conveyancers to act professionally during one of the most important purchases of their lives,” she acknowledged.
“Taking immediate disciplinary proceedings is important to ensure the public are protected from further poor conduct.”
Consumer Affairs Victoria is calling on anyone who is concerned about their dealings with the conveyancer to reach out to them for assistance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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