PROPERTY SWINDLERS - DO THEY EXIST?

Although, its not common, property fraud can occur in the UK and have detrimental effects for any targeted individuals.

What's Property Fraud in the UK?

Property fraud happens when a fraudster offers a quick-rich investment scam, claiming it'd transform you into a property millionaire.

 

It can also mean fraudsters attempting to steal or sell your property by pretending to be you.

According to ABC Finance research, only 3% of overall property fraud cases are prevented by fraud control in the UK. Since 2009, HM Land Registry has prevented about 400 fraudulent applications registered. This represents properties valued at over £207 million.

 

To know more about property fraud in the UK, watch this video.

 

Have you been or are you a property fraud victim?

Have you been involved in any property fraud, offered a course before on how to be a property millionaire, or attended a free presentation on how to make money from property investment?

 

If you’ve been a property fraud victim, contact the Property Alert team;

Email propertyalert@landregistry.gov.uk

call- 0300 006 0478

 

What to do if you’re a property fraud victim in the UK?

  • Start by questioning them on any course being offered.

  • Ask for referees or references from those who have taken the course before and discuss with them.

  • Don’t speak to just 1 or 2 people, talk to as many people as possible.

  • Don't ever invest without proper research. Know the land location. See it before making the payment.

  • Inquire about the property's history. You can ask the locals. Also, ask about the planning permission.

  • Don't invest until you view the detailed plan for the land's or site's development.

 

How to protect yourself against property fraud in the UK

  • You have to be careful of mail solicitations that claim big returns regardless of how good they appear.

  • Research the company. Check the firm authenticity; does it have an appropriate street address and phone number?

You may want to reconsider if the deal seems too good to be true.

  • If you're a property or land owner and you're concerned that your property might be subject to a fraudulent mortgage or sale, quickly contact or alert the Land Registry in the UK.

You can talk to any trained staff for guidance on your next move.

Meanwhile, you can sign up to HM Land Registry's free Property Alert service to help guide your property or land from any fraud.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/property-alert

 

Contact our team for more information:

Office: +44 (0) 203 005 5269

Email: info@mestatesltd.co.uk

 

James Mallows