Property owners are being warned yet again about scams where criminal groups target properties, particularly empty or tenanted properties, to apply for a mortgage or loan or attempts to sell the property.

The scams are not new but recent reports on the BBC and on Rip Off Britain have highlighted how property owners can be at risk and what they can do to protect themselves.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’s Proactive Intelligence team, which is part of the of the City of London Police, and HM Land Registry have both issued advice to property owners. 

Properties that are more at risk include those which are:

• Rented out and ‘buy to let’ properties
• Empty
• Mortgage-free
• Not registered with HM Land Registry

Once criminals identify a suitable property they organise fake documentation to be produced and register on the electoral role and with utility providers. They then proceed to either apply for mortgages or loans secured on the property or attempt to sell the property.

Properties that have unregistered title with HM Land Registry are more at risk. By registering the title to the property the owner can be compensated if they are a victim of fraud and suffer financial loss.

Home owners are being urged to sign up for the HM Land Registry’s free Property Alert service so they will receive a notification of certain applications affecting the property such as a new mortgage or change of ownership.  Up to 10 registered properties can be monitored in this way. To register, visit www.gov.uk/protect-land-property-from-fraud

 Alternatively owners can contact the Property Alert team by calling 0300 006 7030.

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