John Newbold thinks that land certificates may be a good idea, as a fraudster can obtain office copy entries of vacant property, impersonate the owner and sell the property (see [2004] Gazette, 19 February, 17).

This thought had occurred to me as well.

However, the owner of the property will certainly have a remedy.

No doubt the solicitors and insurers will have to reimburse the unfortunate property owner, as the solicitor will have failed to comply with the money laundering regulations in not seeking evidence of identity of the fraudster.

Another compelling reason perhaps for the irritation of having to ask clients for passports and evidence of address.

Paul Housego, Beers, Kingsbridge, Devon