Fraudsters Are Impersonating Homeowners to Steal Properties – Here's How to Protect Yourself

Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to impersonate homeowners, allowing them to sell or remortgage properties they do not own. While cases remain relatively rare, experts are urging property owners to take simple precautions that could prevent devastating financial losses.

Property fraud is one of the most serious forms of identity theft, with fraudsters attempting to take control of homes by posing as the legitimate owner. In some cases, criminals use forged identity documents to sell a property or secure a mortgage against it without the owner's knowledge.

Although there are safeguards in place to help protect property owners, homeowners also have an important role to play in reducing the risk of fraud.

Which Properties Are Most at Risk?

Fraudsters often target homes where the chances of being detected are lower. Properties that may face a greater risk include:

• Mortgage-free homes

• Buy-to-let properties

• Empty or vacant properties

• Homes owned by people living overseas

• Properties where the owner's contact details are out of date

These situations can make it easier for criminals to impersonate the owner and attempt fraudulent transactions before anyone notices.

How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

There are several straightforward steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of property fraud.

Keep Your Contact Details Up to Date

Ensure your correspondence address is always current, particularly if you no longer live at the property. This makes it easier for official organisations to contact you quickly if suspicious activity is detected.

Register for Property Alerts

Free property alert services are available that notify homeowners whenever certain activity takes place against a property's title, such as an application to register a new mortgage or transfer ownership.

While an alert does not automatically stop a transaction, it gives homeowners the opportunity to investigate any unexpected activity as quickly as possible.

Consider Adding a Restriction

Owners of higher-risk properties may also wish to place a restriction on their property's title. This means a solicitor or conveyancer must certify that any future sale or mortgage application has genuinely been made by the registered owner before it can proceed.

Property Fraud Remains Uncommon

Despite growing awareness of title fraud, successful cases remain relatively rare. Millions of property applications are processed each year, with only a very small proportion found to involve fraudulent activity.

However, because a property is often a person's most valuable asset, even a small risk is worth taking seriously.

The Bottom Line

Identity fraud has become increasingly sophisticated, and criminals continue to look for opportunities to exploit property owners. If you own a mortgage-free property, a buy-to-let, or a home that stands empty for long periods, it is worth reviewing the security measures available to help protect your property.

Simple actions such as keeping your contact details up to date, signing up for property alerts and, where appropriate, adding a restriction to your property's title can provide valuable peace of mind and help safeguard one of your most valuable assets.