Property Fraud in the UK

What is property title fraud?

There are various types of property related fraud in the UK. Property title fraud specifically relates to the fraudulent use of someone’s property details to get a mortgage. In effect, information that belongs to the genuine proprietor is fraudulently acquired and used for application of mortgages and once the mortgage is agreed, the money is stolen.

By the time you realise you have outstanding mortgage repayments in your name, it may be too late to stop the fraudsters and you will have to deal with debt among other problems.

Many people are familiar with identity fraud and have taken steps to avoid this, similarly, your land title details can be used inappropriately and as such should be protected. There is a vast amount of information relating to people’s property which is readily available online and this is the main source for criminals to access property details.

The inconvenience and stress of having your property title misused can be avoided by taking a few simple steps.

How can you protect your title?

• Make sure the Land Registry has your up to date contact details. This can include up to three addresses which can be used to contact you if a request is made under your title.
• Place a Restriction on your title through the Land Registry. This would foil any ones attempts to make a charge against your title.
• Check your title details from time to time. Landlords should be particularly vigilant in knowing what the status of their property title is on addresses they do not occupy.

What happens if you are the victim?

If you think you have been a victim of property title fraud you should notify the Land Registry (which administers the registers of property in England and Wales) and the police to report the crime. You should also seek legal advice from a Solicitor.

Generally, the mortgage companies will suffer a greater loss because they are not able to claim on the mortgage. The Land Registry would have to compensate the genuine title owner but this is usually after extensive investigations and correspondence which causes frustration and stress to the victim.

The best advice is to ensure that your property details are protected.

For more information contact Emma Sidney on 01908 689316 or by email at esidney@geoffreyleaver.com