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Staff Reporter
An unlicensed conveyancer who allegedly withdrew funds from clients’ mortgage accounts, and who also claimed to be a lawyer, has been charged by Victorian police.
Ms Marina Dankovic (also known as Marina Dawson and Marina Loprese), trading under names that included Marina’s Conveyancing, allegedly engaged in unlicensed conveyancing out of various addresses in Footscray and Sunshine in Victoria.
In addition, Ms Dankovic allegedly mishandled money entrusted to her by clients to pay stamp duty on their property, drew unauthorised cheques in her own name against a client’s mortgage account and did not return title deeds and other original documents to several other clients.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has received complaints from clients and others who dealt with Ms Dankovic.
Victoria Police have laid several charges against Ms Dankovic for offences that include obtaining property by deception, making use of false documents and breaching bail conditions.
Dr Claire Noone, Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, warned that conveyancers are in a position of trust with regard to their clients.
“It is very easy for criminals and other unscrupulous people to take advantage of that position,” Dr Noone said. “Consumers are urged to ensure the person they engage to carry out the conveyancing work for the purchase or sale of their family home or other property is properly licensed.”
The Business Licensing Authority maintains a register of licensed conveyancers in Victoria, with a free search available online.
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