Property Fraud: How Homeowners Can Stay Safe

Reports of property fraud have been steadily increasing, with those who own their homes outright or who do not live at the property particularly at risk of being targeted. Emma Gilroy, Director and Head of Residential Property at JCP Solicitors, explains the simple, proactive steps homeowners can take to avoid falling victim to property fraud.

What Is Property Fraud?

Property fraud takes place across the UK and encompasses multiple crimes. These crimes may include fake landlords letting out properties they do not own, or may take the form of criminals stealing a property owner’s identity and using it to make a fake application to HM Land Registry, thereby registering a change of ownership so that the property appears to be owned by the criminal.

This allows the criminal to sell the property – often without the owner’s knowledge – and so is particularly targeted at second home-owners and landlords.

How Can I Protect My Property?

There are several steps you can take to ensure you remain protected from property fraud:

Protect Your Identity Documents

Criminals are utilising online data to impersonate property owners by forging identity documents or stealing information inputted online. Always keep your personal information secure, and double-check any websites requesting your personal identification documents.

Stay Alert to Banking Scams

Scammers will often send fake emails in an attempt to gain your bank detail information. These may be designed to look as though they have been sent from your bank, law firm, estate agent, government department such as Pensions or HM Land Registry, or other service provider.

To spot a scam email, you can check that the sender comes from a reputable email address; spot any spelling or grammar mistakes in the text; check for any language encouraging you to ‘act now’ or transfer money.

At JCP Solicitors, we will never email to ask for your bank details, nor will we email you asking you to transfer money to a new account.

If you are concerned by an email, always confirm with the sender by calling their registered phone number – do not click any links or phone numbers within the email in question – and confirm the details included in the email before you share any information.

Stay Up-To-Date With HM Land Registry

HM Land Registry offers a free alert service, notifying you of any activity on the title to your home. It is likely fraudsters will target you if you do not live at the property or if it is rented out, so signing up for alerts can help with early detection at property fraud attempts.

You should also ensure the Land Registry has your correct email and postal address. If you own multiple properties, make sure each title includes your current contact information in case any suspicious activity is attempted.

Consider Restricting Your Title

Homeowners can apply to enter a restriction on the title to their property, requiring a Solicitor or Conveyancer to certify identify before any transfer or mortgage can be registered. This provides an additional layer of protection against scammers.

If you would like expert advice and guidance on property fraud, JCP Solicitors can help. Contact our specialist property team by emailing hello@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or calling 03333 208644.