Property fraud can happen in many ways. For example, fraudsters may attempt to acquire ownership of a property by using forged documents, or by impersonating the registered owner. The fraudsters may then raise money by mortgaging the property without the owner’s knowledge before disappearing without making repayments, leaving the owner to deal with the consequences.

If you are concerned about becoming the victim of property fraud, consider registering your property with the Land Registry Property Alert service. Once registered e-mail alerts will be sent to you when the Land Registry receives an application to change the register as well as for official searches. You can then judge whether or not the activity is suspicious and if you should seek further advice. To register your property you will need to set up an online account with the Land Registry which is free here or by calling 0300 006 0478.