Landlords warned to protect themselves as fraud up 25% in 2014

Landlords warned to protect themselves as fraud up 25% in 2014

10:24 AM, 8th April 2015, About 9 years ago 3

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Cases of reported fraud increased by over 25% last year with men in their mid-40s most vulnerable, according to the UK’s fraud prevention service.landlord insurance

A total of 276,933 frauds were recorded last year – that’s 758 frauds every day or 31 every hour.
This figure is up from 221,075 in 2013, with 23% of fraud victims aged between 41 and 50, according to the figures from the CIFAS Annual Report.

The study also revealed that 2014 saw a 15% year-on-year increase of cases involving those aged over 55 year-on-year, with men 1.7 times more likely to have their identity stolen than women.

By far the most common type of fraud is identity theft, making up 41% of all cases. Fraudsters often impersonate victims by abusing personal data and forging documents or by creating fictitious identities. Such crimes totaled 114,00 cases last year – up 5% on 2013.

Landlords are also warned to be on the lookout, as cases of property fraud are also prevalent nationwide. These can involve tenants assuming the landlord’s identity to rent out or even sell their property.

“Our Legal Expenses and Property Disputes Insurance also protects landlords against identity theft by their tenants, which is a growing problem in the private rented sector,” say Property118’s Landlord Insurance specialists Discount Insurance.

Geographically, big-cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, Leeds and Glasgow are among the top fraud hotspots.

If you think you have been victim of property fraud you can call the Land Registry’s free helpline on 0300 006 7030 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm).

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Comments

Paul

18:08 PM, 8th April 2015, About 9 years ago

Oddly enough. I have just been contacted by my local estate agent (today at 5:30pm), to inform me someone (name removed) has contacted them (and other agents) to get a valuation on my property.

Tomorrow I'm going to contact the other agents and see what the score is. I will also contact the police about this.

I'm going to see if the agent (who called me) is willing to go down and do a valuation and I will 'turn up' to get the 'red-handed'.

Oddly enough a week ago the girl (tenant) contacted me with a list of spurious 'issues' and complaints about other tenants. She has paid all her rent and is unto date with her rent.

I would appreciate any comments.

The agent contacted me (I owe him beer) as he had valued my property a few years past, it rang a bell, figured it was me and knew I wasn't selling...

I take back all I said about agents !

Jason McClean - The Home Insurer

8:22 AM, 9th April 2015, About 9 years ago

Hi Paul

Sounds like your agent is earning their crust here. I'd get the police involved ASAP, it may not be the tenant committing the fraud.

Chris B

11:38 AM, 11th April 2015, About 9 years ago

Hi Paul

You can set up an alert from the land registry so you are notified if anyone tries to make any changes to the register. For example if someone tried to take out a mortgage on the property. Can't remember the website address, but I'm sure you can find it easily on Google etc

Regards, chris

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