A TEESSIDE law firm has warned property owners to be wary of fraudsters.

The Endeavour Partnership, in Thornaby, near Stockton, says people are increasingly falling victim to crime where a person or company loses ownership of a property through fraud.

A spokesman said: “The impact of property fraudsters is massive and will inevitably involve the loss of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“There are various different types of property fraud, with some involving the use of the services of a solicitor.

“However, there are others where fraudsters deal directly with the Land Registry by changing the details on the Land Registry title deeds.

“They then impersonate the owners, sell the property, and disappear with the proceeds.

“The Land Registry can only serve notice of any intended changes to its information to property owners at the last address of which they were notified.

“People must take the time to ensure their Land Registry details are up to date.”