Security - be aware of the risk of identity fraud when selling a home

There's always the risk of identity fraud when selling a home, because strangers are entering your house, so for security reasons you will need a systematic approach to allowing visits from potential buyers.

Would you let a complete stranger walk around your house at any other time? Of course not, so you need to ensure - as much as is possible - that your enquiries are from genuine house hunters and not from bogus buyers intent on stealing from you.

When someone wants to view your property, you need to know a bit about them.

Get their full name and address and telephone number, together with their email address, and put their details into a diary or notebook which is solely used for the appointments to view.

If anyone calls unannounced at your home, make an appointment for them to return at a mutually convenient time during the day, and remember to get their name, address, telephone number and email address as well.

Before anyone is shown around your home take these few security precautions:

• No keys should be left lying around, or put inside any cupboards that may be looked into. Remove them from doors and keep them on a key ring on your person.
  
  
• All personal documentation should be locked away. Credit card statements, utility bills, receipts - everything.
  
  
• If your mail is delivered through a door letterbox as opposed an external mailbox, do not leave unopened mail lying around.
  
  
• If you're in the habit of leaving a spare door key with a neighbour, just for emergencies, never mention this to your visitors.
  
  
• Keep out of view, any small items of value that could easily be pocketed.
  
  
• If you have a home security system fitted, do not let visitors see you input the activation/deactivation codes.

It is preferable for you not to be alone when showing strangers around your home. If a couple is viewing and go in different rooms at the same time, you can only be in one place at a time. Bogus buyers could either attempt to steal small items as they look around - much easier for them if you are alone - or they could be checking out your possessions and home security arrangements prior to breaking in later.

The majority of people you deal with will be good citizens, but because the risk of identity fraud when selling a home is high, there is no harm in being prepared for any people that aren't.