Property fraud increasing

Identity theft is one of the problems facing conveyancers where a property seller presents himself as the Owner with corresponding identity documents to pass transfer to a buyer.  The unsuspecting attorneys and buyers effect registration and when the buyers attempt to take occupation they find that the real owner has never sold the property and the fraudulent seller has vamoosed with the proceeds.

Scrutinise documents

Careful scrutiny of identity documents and Fica is critical to help prevent cases like this being successful for the fraudster. Our Toti offices have already thwarted two attempts at fraud in this way.