The not-for-profit organisation suggests that there is likely to be a huge increase in the number of scammers and unscrupulous buyers hoping to cash in on seller's misery as the freeze on property sales begins to bite.
Jonathan Rolande of The NAPB said "Sellers should always be cautious about just who they are doing business with, but in the current climate there are more people than ever hoping to mislead homeowners for financial gain. Promising unrealistic timescales, slashing prices at the last moment or simply dropping out of a sale leaving a seller high and dry are all tricks used in this kind of market. We are also concerned about the rise of property fraud with many solicitors now out of action which leaves sellers even more vulnerable."
Sellers are advised to check whether buyers are bona fide by ensuring that they are members of The National Association of Property Buyers which ensures buyers are members of The Property Ombudsman Scheme, giving vendors financial redress should anything go wrong.
Mr Rolande concluded: "If a sale is agreed to a buyer who isn't in The NAPB the seller is not protected whatsoever. Despite the dire market conditions, many of our members are still purchasing property but it is vital that sellers ensure they are dealing with a reputable member firm and not a fraudster."
