Practical Steps to Take

The recent news of Reverend Mike Hall, a victim of property fraud, returning to his home in Luton only to find someone else living there, is becoming an all too familiar story.

Technology has helped to make property transactions quicker and more efficient. However, the increased use of technology has also helped fraudsters to engage in more criminal activities, such as creating false identities, stealing existing identities and forging documents.

Fraudulent conveyancing transactions are on the rise. Commercial property is a target (as well as residential), with buildings left unoccupied or vacated increasingly due to the pandemic.

The most common example of property fraud is where fraudsters impersonate the homeowner by obtaining fake identities, sell the house quickly (often with no parties attending the property) and make off with the sale proceeds (also known as Home Hijacking).

The information under Protection Against Property Fraud explains the different types of property fraud, which properties are more vulnerable to fraud, and practical steps which can be taken to prevent your property from being targeted.