Lucy Hunting’s 3 top tips for avoiding property fraud.

You may have seen some of the recent stories of home owners fighting to regain their properties after they have been fraudulently sold without their knowledge.

Although these stories may seem more suited to a television drama and something that could never affect you personally, this may not be the case. Property fraud is on the rise and it may surprise you to know how easily it could happen to you.

Identity theft in relation to conveyancing was raised in Parliament as recently as 20 October with MPs requesting more is done by the Land Registry to deal with this. But until further measures are put in place what can you personally do to protect yourself and your property

1. The Land Registry offer a free Property Alert service.

By signing up to this service the Land Registry will email to notify you about activities involving the property such as an application to register a mortgage or change of ownership. Although these alerts will not stop the fraud taking place it does act as a warning system so that you can take immediate action. It is a free service, is very easy to sign up for and you can register up to ten properties allowing you to monitor family or friends’ homes too.

2. You can register an ‘anti-fraud’ restriction on your property’s legal title.

This restriction will require a certificate is signed by the conveyancer lodging the application confirming that they are satisfied it is being made by the registered proprietor (the property’s 
legal owner). This requirement should encourage conveyancers to make full checks that the party instructing them is in fact the true owner and not a fraudster.

3. Keep your contact details at the Land Registry up to date.

The Land Registry can register up to three addresses for service for each property owner which can include email addresses. This is particularly important if you are renting your property out or will not be living there for a period of time.

If you have any specific concerns please do not hesitate to contact us to advise you further. Whenever carrying out any property transactions ensure you instruct a reputable legal firm to ensure that you and your property are in safe hands.