With an increase in the number of property scams, the Land Registry yesterday warned that bogus emails are being sent out in its name.

These emails look to be a phishing exercise.

The emails read: “The document attached is an official requisition, reminder or letter from Land Registry. It is not a circular and relates either to an application you have lodged with us or a property in which you have an interest. No paper copy of the item of correspondence will be sent to you.

“The document is in ‘Portable Document Format’ (HTML) which replicates the appearance of the hard copy version. You will need to open the document with your internet browser.”

The Land Registry advises that any email it genuinely sends out has a sender domain name ending in .gov.uk

The fake emails come from other domains.

Anyone who thinks they have received a fraudulent email claiming to be from Land Registry, should take the following steps:

1. Do not open the attachment or follow any links, as this may infect your computer with a virus. Computer viruses can help criminals to steal data from your computer
2. Do not reply to the email
3. Forward the email to phishing@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk The Land Registry does not respond to emails forwarded to this address, but does examine them carefully
4. If you’ve lost money or information, or your computer has been taken over by a phishing or malware attack, report it to Action Fraud.
5. Delete the email
6. If you have accidentally opened the attachment, run your anti-virus software and/or tell your IT administrator