The Law Society, which oversees the work of house purchase solicitors in England and Wales, has joined forces with the Land Registry to alert the public about a growing trend for fraudsters to pretend they have legal ownership of properties for sale.

For the first time, the legal body has acted with the government agency where all property ownership details are maintained and sent out guidelines to its members so that they will be aware of the need to take precautions against the increasing occurrence of identity fraud and the use of forged documents.

Two public information guides have also been published by the Land Registry so that property owners can be aware of how to protect themselves.

Among the home owners who may be particularly susceptible to fraud are elderly people who may have moved into a retirement or nursing home but are still the legal owners of their former house, although it is unoccupied.

Second home and holiday home owners are vulnerable, particularly if they live abroad and do not have a relative, friend or agent to keep an eye on their property. Registration fraud is often easier to accomplish in these cases if there is no outstanding loan on the property.

Similarly, absentee landlords, especially in cities such as London or Brighton, might find an attempt has been made to sell or mortgage their property.

Owners of commercial property or that which is awaiting redevelopment could be at risk, as could those where the occupier has died but the home is awaiting proving of the will and subsequent sale.

Chief Land Registrar and Chief Executive of Land Registry Marco Pierleoni added, "Our increased investment in counter-fraud measures has already resulted in preventing fraud attempts against properties valued at an estimated £20m. We hope this initiative will continue this trend by highlighting the importance to solicitors of being vigilant against the many ways in which fraudsters target the properties of vulnerable home owners."

Law Society President Linda Lee said, "Land and buildings are usually the most valuable assets people own. They can be sold and mortgaged to raise money and can therefore be attractive targets for fraudsters. Solicitors are qualified in all areas of property law and are there to help you avoid potential problems and to protect your interests at every step."

She added that house purchase solicitors were best placed to conduct residential conveyancing transactions and would remind property owners of their role in helping to prevent fraud and to protect their ownership in the same way that they protect their other most valuable possessions.