"Fraud is getting worse. But the good news is that technology is not just keeping pace, it’s gaining ground"
- Tim Barnett - Credas Technologies
A growing number of UK real estate professionals say identity fraud is becoming a major threat, with new research revealing that 70% have seen an increase over the past year. Despite the rise, only 14% of cases are regularly reported to the authorities, raising questions about accountability and enforcement in the property sector.
The study, commissioned by Credas Technologies, surveyed 250 real estate workers across the UK. It highlights a sector increasingly turning to technology as a primary line of defence. 65% of businesses are now using digital or automated tools to detect fraudulent activity.
52% of respondents said they had come across fake identity documents. When asked about their top concerns within ID verification, 34% pointed to fraud, ahead of customer experience (24%) and operational inefficiencies (20%).
“Fraud is getting worse. But the good news is that technology is not just keeping pace, it’s gaining ground," says Tim Barnett, chief executive of Credas Technologies. "Digital ID verification is proving to be one of the most effective tools in detecting and preventing fraud, while also improving the experience for legitimate customers. The future of fraud prevention is automated, intelligent, and proactive.”
The findings also show a concerning trend in enforcement. While many professionals are witnessing increased fraud attempts, 56% admit they rarely or never escalate cases to authorities. This gap may point to a wider issue in the industry's ability to respond at scale.
Barnett added, “As fraudsters grow more sophisticated, the message is clear. The real estate industry must adopt more advanced techniques to stay ahead.”
