12 TIPS TO STOP YOU BECOMING LATEST VICTIM OF “PROPERTY CRIME EPIDEMIC”

A LEADING property association has issued new advice on how to avoid falling victim to fraud.

The National Association of Property Buyers (NAPB) said crimes were skyrocketing across the UK – with many criminals seeking to cash in on the cost of living crisis.

According to official data, break-ins are on the increase, and new data from Statista reveals there were more than 279,000 burglaries in England and Wales last year alone.

Statistics recently released by Apex Bridging shows how, in the past year in England and Wales, mortgage fraud has increased by 32.8%.

This kind of fraud occurs when criminals seek to steal money from a financial institution or via a private provider through the lending process.

It is now the second-highest increase of all banking and credit industry fraud.

Rental fraud has also risen by 5.1% in the last year and is now the third-most frequent form of advance fee payment fraud, accounting for 11.2% of all cases.

Commenting Jonathan Rolande said: “From break-ins to online scams, the problem of fraud in the house sector is soaring across the UK. Many victims never get justice or their money back, so the best thing you can do is to try and take active steps to not become the latest statistic.

“Fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated. But there are things you can do if you are a homeowner or if you are in the process of buying and selling to prevent yourself becoming the latest victim of this epidemic.”

Outlining his advice, Jonathan said:

·         If you’re moving arrange mail redirection to stop mail being picked up

·         If you move in, change locks and codes to the alarm, key box etc.

·         Many people have a home safe – not only should you not reveal its location but you shouldn’t mention there is one.

·         Blur photos, mail, keys and alarm panels on photos. And avoid putting to many details on social media,

·         Sign up to Land Reg alerts: these will alert you to suspicious activity.

·         Carefully consider if you are happy to let your agent hold keys – ask about their security procedures

·         View a property with the agent you intend to use – do they let you wander into different rooms alone or do they stay with you? You’d be very surprised how many don’t have security in mind.

·         Don’t leave spare keys, mail or valuables where they can be seen/picked up.

·         Check your insurances are up to date and at a sensible level of cover.

·         If empty, keep the garden maintained and nets at the front windows. Consider timer lights for dark evenings.

·         Consider cheap home cameras in key areas to track viewings – and you can hear feedback too.

·         Never ever transfer money to solicitors or accounts without carrying out thorough checks. Tens of millions of pounds is stolen each year by fraudsters pretending to be solicitors. Don’t become the latest victim. Most strike on a Friday afternoon, the time of the week when most property deals happen. So be aware at this time of the day more than ever.