Property fraud

Property fraud involves fraudsters offering you a ‘get rich quick’ investment scam, claiming it can turn you into a property millionaire.

You attend a free presentation about making money from property investment. The fraudsters may persuade you to hand over money to sign up to a seminar or course promising to teach you how to make money dealing in property.

Or, you might be offered the opportunity to buy properties at a discount that aren’t yet built. You might think property investment is a fast way to get rich quickly, so you invest some, maybe all, of your hard-earned savings.

What you don't know is that the land is either agricultural or derelict. In many cases, it’s unsuitable for development, or is bound to have planning permission refused.

As a result, you may lose all the money you invested.

Another variation is buy-to-let fraud, where companies offer to source, renovate and manage properties, claiming good returns from rental income. In practice, the properties are near-derelict and the tenants non-existent.

Are you a victim of property fraud?

• You’ve received a brochure in the post offering you a course on how to become a property millionaire.
• You’ve attended a free presentation on how to make money from property investment.

What should you do if you’re a victim of property fraud?

• Ask questions about the course. Ask for references from people who've taken it and talk to them. Don’t just speak to one or two people, but several.
• Never make investments without thorough research. Find out where the land is. View it before parting with your money. Ask questions locally about its history. Discover whether planning permission has been applied for or granted. If not, what are the prospects of winning planning permission?
• Don't invest until you see detailed plans for the site’s development.
• If you think you’ve been a victim of a property fraud, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06
• You can also contact the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
• Always make sure you keep copies of all paperwork about the transactions and the course, as well as notes of any phone conversations.

Protect yourself against property fraud

• Be very wary of mail solicitations claiming great returns, no matter how good they look. Check out the company first. For example: does it have a proper street address and landline number?
• If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

If fraud has been committed, report it to Action Fraud.