Property Fraud
How to Protect my Property from Fraud?
Property fraud is a growing concern with increasing reports of cases of identity theft or illegal sales or mortgaging of property by fraud.
Who is at risk most from Property Fraud?
- If you have rented property or a vacant property (holiday let, or second home)
- Owners living abroad
- Elderly homeowners
- Properties which are mortgage free.
There are a number of actions property owners can take to reduce the risk as follows:
1. Register your property
If your property is not currently registered with the Land Registry it is more vulnerable to fraud. Registration allows your ownership to be officially recorded and helps to protect against fraudulent claims.
2. Sign up for HM Land Registry Property Alerts
The Land Registry offer a free Property Alert Service. You will receive an email if someone tries to change your property’s title. This can act as an early warning sign.
3. Place a Restriction on Your Title
You can apply for a restriction to be registered on your title preventing any sale or mortgage or transfer unless a solicitor or conveyancer certifies the application has been made by you. This adds an additional layer of protection.
4. Keep your Property Title updated
You can update your current addresses, email addresses and or phone numbers with the Land Registry, free of charge. Keeping your information up to date will enable the Land Registry to contact you easily if any suspicious activity is detected.
5. Keep your personal data safe
Be cautious with personal data and sensitive information including identification documents and utility bills etc. Fraudsters often use these to impersonate the real owners.
Christina Morlham, Senior Solicitor in the Residential Conveyancing department at the Woodbridge office has specialised in residential conveyancing since 2013 and has a wealth of experience in all conveyancing transactions. Christina would be happy to discuss how to protect your property and assist in making any relevant applications to the Land Registry.
If you would like any further assistance or a quotation for the sale and/or purchase of your property please do not hesitate to contact Christina Morlham Kerseys Solicitors in Woodbridge at [email protected] on 01394 813732 or email [email protected].
