Some property is particularly vulnerable to fraud, for instance, mortgage free, unoccupied property. The headline fraud cases, as in this instance, usually involve residential property but commercial property owners should be aware of the risk as well. 

There are some simple steps all property owners can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of property fraud:

• keep your address for service of all your properties registered at HM Land Registry up to date. If your address is up to date then HM Land Registry will be able to contact you if is is concerned that an application relating to your property may be fraudulent.
• consider signing up to HM Land Registry's fraud alert service. HM Land Registry will then email you if an official search or application is made, for example to register a new mortgage or sale of a property you are monitoring. If you are notified of an application that you have not authorised you have the opportunity to contact HM Land Registry and if you act quickly a fraudulent application may be stopped.