Identity Crime - Crime Prevention - Surrey Police

Protect yourself from property fraud

Your property is probably the most valuable asset you own. That's why it's important you do whatever you can to protect it from the risk of fraud.

Fraudsters often target properties where there is no mortgage or the owner lives elsewhere. They may attempt to acquire the title by using a forged transfer or impersonating the owner.

One way to help stop them is to ensure the contact details the Land Registry hold for you are up to date. When the Land Registry receive an application regarding your property, they may write to you about it. If your contact details are not up to date, you may not receive their letter or email.

For more information about how to protect yourself from property fraud and provide your up to date details to the Land Registry visit landregistry.gov.uk

Personal documents

• Keep your personal documents in a safe, lockable place. Take extra care with documents such as share certificates.
• Shred unwanted documents such as old bills, bank statements or personalised junk mail before disposing of it.
• If your passport, driving licence or other important documents are lost or stolen, contact the issuing organisation immediately.
• Cancel lost or stolen cards immediately.
• Check your bank and credit card statements carefully. Report any suspicious transactions to your bank.

Passwords and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)

• Never give personal or account details, or passwords, to anyone who contacts you by phone - even if they claim to be from your bank. A bank will never ask for your PIN or your password.
• Use different passwords and PINs for different accounts.
• Don't use obvious passwords, such as your date of birth or your mother's maiden name.
• Memorise passwords and PINs if possible. Try and avoid keeping written copies of them.
• Never keep a copy of your password and PINs in your purse or wallet.

Online security

• Use passwords whenever possible - and change them regularly.
• Ensure up to date security software and a personal firewall are installed on your computer.
• Be wary of unsolicited emails.
• If you receive a suspicious email asking for personal details do not respond. Visit www.banksafeonline.org.uk for further advice.
• Only conduct transactions with secure websites.
• Never use public computers to access personal information.

Mailing lists

Where possible, remove your name from mailing lists.

When moving house

• If you change your address, immediately inform your bank, your card issuers and any other organisations you deal with.
• Arrange for Royal Mail to redirect your post to your new address for at least a year.

Keep a regular check

• Request a regular copy of your personal credit file from a credit reference agency. This will indicate if someone has applied for credit in your name.