Released on = June 22, 2007, 2:43 am

Press Release Author = Charlotte Burrows

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = Britons are putting their financial futures at risk by using
fake payslips to apply for bigger mortgages and loans, it has been revealed.

Press Release Body = According to the Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP), an
ever-increasing number of websites are now offering \'duplicate\' payslips, often
without taking time to check whether the information provided by customers is valid.

\"These websites cannot legally verify the details provided by consumers looking to
buy fake pay slips as the only official parties who would prove salary information -
the payroll departments of their employer and the HMRC - are bound by the Data
Protection Act,\" the IPP website confirms.

The websites in question have countered the IPP\'s claim that they are knowingly
supplying Britons with payslips in order for them to commit fraud by insisting that
there are a number of legitimate reasons for another copy of a payslip to be
requested.

These include burglary, fire and flood - all of which could have resulted in the
loss or damage of the original copy.

However, Maurice Cheng, CEO of IPP, is still sceptical.

\"To provide a payslip to someone where you have no proof of their earnings has to be
deemed fraud,\" he said.

The IPP is concerned that the practise will lead to increased consumer debt - and
possibly a rise in repossessions - as higher interest rates put fraudsters under
heightened financial pressure, especially as in many cases they are not earning
enough to cover the original cost of the mortgage.

Julian King, director of National Homebuyers, says: \"Of equal concern is the legal
aspect of increasing consumer debt.\"

National Homebuyers is the UK\'s leading quick purchase property firm, which in part
helps homeowners release equity in their property when they find themselves in
financial difficulty. King says: \"Lenders are now arranging eight-times mortgages
which could spell disaster for home affordability.

\"We are already working with thousands who cannot meet their monthly mortgage
payments and offer a lifeline in the shape of a quick sale of their property.

\"Homeowners failing to meet their repayment plan should consider selling their
property to us, we complete quickly, offer cash for the property and even arrange
for the vendor to remain in their home.\"

National Homebuyers\' sell and rent back proposition is advertised as \"an alternative
to equity release.\" Further information can be found at
www.nationalhomebuyers.co.uk/sellandrentback.html.

Web Site = http://nationalhomebuyers.co.uk

Contact Details = Sterling House
20 Victoria Way
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 9NF
0870 979 8118
Fax: 01444 257333
info@nationalhomebuyers.co.uk