Gransnet forums

Legal, pensions and money

I really could not believe that I was reading this.....

(53 Posts)
Rosina Mon 01-Nov-21 21:48:47

I've just read an article online concerning a Minister/Vicar whose home has been sold without his knowledge by someone who has stolen his identity - and he has been told by the Police that they can do nothing as it is 'a civil matter'. His neighbours rang and alerted him to the fact that the house lights were on and people were going in and out. When stolen cars have been sold on the Police can sieze them from the new owner as the car was not legally sold. Why is it any different for a house? Surely this is fraud on a grand scale, and the Police should find whoever stole the identity of this poor man and sold his house illegally. Land Registry have said that the new owner is now legally in posession - even though it was sold to him by someone who had no right to sell it, and was acting fraudulently. I've never read anything quite so alarming; how easily you could lose so much.

Sashabel Tue 21-Dec-21 16:10:40

According to the Bedford Today website, on 4th November the police arrested a man in his 20's (hiding under his bed) in connection with this crime. Fingers crossed it can now be resolved and Reverend Hall will at least get his home back. Unfortunately, his possessions are probably long gone.

Shandy3 Wed 22-Dec-21 13:58:46

You don't need a key or even need to be in a property to sell it! Many people are happy to purchase without even viewing!
Link to government.uk site has been posted this is currently the only sure way of knowing if anyone is doing searches on your property!