Property Fraud
It’s time to ensure that you and your property are sufficiently protected from fraud and scammers.
Many individuals are unaware that the information held by HM Land Registry is available to view by anyone, including scammers, via HM Land Registry’s website.
What is Property Fraud?
Property fraud can be committed on both commercial and residential property and the following factors are likely to increase the risk of fraud:
- the property is not registered at HM Land Registry.
- the property is not mortgaged
- the property is rented out
- the property is vacant
- your identity has been stolen
- you are not resident in the United Kingdom
Many individuals are unaware that the information held by HM Land Registry is available to view by anyone, including scammers, via HM Land Registry’s website.
As a result, scammers can easily establish who the property owner is, their correspondence address, mortgage details and in some cases a sample of the property owner’s signature. Accordingly, scammers can potentially impersonate a property owner in an attempt to fraudulently sell or re-mortgage a property.
Voluntary Registration
If your property is not registered with the Land Registry, voluntarily registering is the first step in protecting it.
By taking this step you can prove your ownership of the land or property and it makes it much easier for you to change, sell or give your property away in the future, or for your loved ones to inherit it from you.
Once your land or property is registered, you can track changes to the register and put restrictions on your title through the Land Registry. All of these steps can help stop fraudsters from illegally selling or mortgaging your property.
Anti-fraud restriction
HM Land Registry advises that one of the main ways to protect your property from being fraudulently sold or mortgaged is by entering an anti-fraud restriction on the title register.
An anti-fraud restriction will require that any application to change the property register is accompanied by a certificate from the registered proprietor’s solicitor stating that they are satisfied that the person who has signed the documents is the same person registered as the registered proprietor.
This restriction acts as a deterrent to scammers as the presence of an anti-fraud restriction designates that the title register cannot be changed without independent certification of the registered proprietor’s identity.
Property Alert service
HM Land Registry also provides this service to support the fight against property fraud. Once registered to the service, you will be notified via email when certain activity occurs on your property, allowing you to take action if necessary.
You should also ensure the details held at HM Land Registry are accurate and correct, including your name and address. Where, for example, you marry, voluntarily change your name or change the notification address you should endeavour to notify the Land Registry.
If you think you may be at risk or would like to protect your land or property from property fraud we will be happy to advise you.