LANDLORDS and buy-to-let property owners are becoming increasingly at risk from identity theft.

And, as the property-buying season gets into full swing, prospective buy-to-let owners are being urged to take care to protect their credit report from new tenants.

According to a survey by CreditExpert.co.uk, landlords accounted for almost 50 per cent of fraud victims who knew the person who had used their identity.

In some cases, fraudulent tenants have used the landlord's name and the rented property's address to apply for credit cards, loans or even mail-order goods.

Tenants have also intercepted mail addressed to their landlord and used personal details enclosed to open fraudulent credit accounts.

In both scenarios, the credit application is logged on the landlord's credit report and bills of thousands of pounds can be run up, seriously affecting future borrowing power. Jim Hodgkins, managing director of CreditExpert.co.uk, said: "Purchasing a buy-to-let property is an increasingly popular investment.

"When considering this type of investment, people should be wary of the possibility of dishonest tenants taking advantage of your good credit score and credit report to incur debts in your name.

"If you are concerned, a credit monitoring service will alert you to any significant changes to your credit report, so you can take any necessary action as soon as possible." Tweet