Landlords warned about identity fraud

News Category: Industry News

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Less experienced landlords should be aware of the dangers posed by tenants with fake references.

According to the Telegraph, owners of empty property at are at risk from the increase in identity fraud, which could see landlords incur massive losses.

Criminals could potentially obtain tenancy of unoccupied premises, then use the owner's details to gain money by applying for a mortgage loan.

Rob Tancred, director of estate agency Capital Bromley, said: "We are warning all our landlords and vendors to protect themselves against ID fraud.

"It is vital, when people are having their mail redirected, that they also write to every single person who might send them a letter - even a mail order company they have a zero balance with.

"If not, you are exposing yourself to fraud... from someone ordering clothes from a catalogue to applying for a loan. If you do not have a mortgage on your property it is easy for a conman to obtain the title deeds via the Land Registry, and take one out in your name."

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