library
Property Fraud – how to safeguard your interests in land
31 May 2011
Any person owning an interest in land could be the victim of property fraud. The interest could be sold or mortgaged without the owner’s knowledge. Owners of unregistered title and owners who do not live in a property for whatever reason are more likely to be at risk of property fraud.
In recent years businesses have arisen providing property title theft protection services to property owners willing to pay to protect their major assets. However, the Land Registry offers free guidance on their website how to safeguard against property fraud.
The guidance sets out who is more likely to be at risk of property fraud and what can be done to minimise the risk. For example it is important for landlords to keep their name and address on the Title Register up to date and to have three addresses for service of documents concerning the land that they own.
Samantha King, Solicitor
