The guides, numbered 17 and 20, look to actively reduce the risk of a criminals carrying out a successful fraud.
The first explains a number of simple steps which can be taken to help prevent fraud or forgery including; applying for voluntary first registration of a property if not already registered, and if it has been then making sure the registered name and address is kept up to date.
The second revolves around identity checks, providing guidance on when evidence of identity must be lodged in support of an application for registration.
As part of its ongoing investigation, Land Registry has been looking at additional safeguards to deter and prevent fraud.
After noting that there is a higher risk of fraud when a solicitor or conveyancer does not represent the applicant, Land Registry is widening the types of applications where evidence of identity is required.
This means that as of 3 March 2008, the firm will introduce identity checks for situations where parties to transactions are not legally represented.
These safeguards fall in line with identity checks currently made by other bodies, including banks.
The free guides can be downloaded at www.landregistry.gov.uk/publications/
