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Isn't this easily dealt with? Adopt the standard of proof that the government requires for issuance of a passport and make it a requirement that the vendor's solicitor make the checks on the vendor and undertake to the purchaser's solicitor that this has been done (since a base level of checks already is required this should not be too much of a hardship). On the day of sale all parties meet at the property, the details are re-checked 'in the flesh' and exchange takes place handing over all keys. This should ensure that any fraud should be detected. PPI should be extended by law to cover the cases where both sets of lawyers are not negligent. If there are any holes in the proposed practice, please be assured that the insurers will point it out in short measure. If this is not considered sufficient the LR should keep a record of any solicitors involved in any prior transfer and should be obliged to disclose that information as part of the initial search of title. The vendor's solicitor's should then contact the firm of record and check with them as to the identity of their client. Any really deep fraud should be exposed at this point (although the process is obviously not full proof). I know - GDPR etc. but a standard disclaimer for the purpose should be obtained by all conveyancing solicitors. Get the government to sign off and voila - standard obtained. It will up the cost of the conveyancing but ........