It’s highly likely that your property is the most valuable asset you own, so it’s important to protect it from the growing risk of fraud. By pretending to be you, fraudsters can try to sell or mortgage your property, leaving you to deal with the fallout, which can be considerable.
You are at increased risk of fraud if your property:
• Is rented out
• Is empty
• Is mortgage-free
• Is not registered with HM Land Registry
HM Land Registry’s Property Alert service allows you to monitor up to 10 registered properties in England and Wales. You don’t have to own the property, so you can monitor the property of an elderly relative, for example. Sign up to the free service and HM Land Registry will notify you of certain applications affecting the property you are monitoring, such as for a new mortgage or change of ownership. Alerts are normally sent by email but you can still use the service if you are not online. If you have registered your property, you will be compensated if you are a victim of fraud and suffer financial loss.