People responding to adverts for the sale of titles such as 'Lord,' 'Lady' and 'Earl' are being duped into thinking the title is genuine by linking the sale to the purchase and registering of a plot of land.

Some websites selling titles even make reference to HM Land Registry, land registration and Land Registry certificates, further perpetrating the misunderstanding.

The Land Registry says it has no connection with such schemes other than registering the transfer of any land involved as part of its statutory duties.

An advertisement invites, for example, a Mr John Smith to become 'Lord John Smith.' Although there is no suggestion that Mr Smith will actually be knighted or become a peer of the realm, the method by which John Smith becomes Lord John Smith is not always explained. What seems to be involved is simply a change of name, evidenced by deed poll.

It is sometimes a part of the scheme that Mr Smith also buys a plot of land and is invited to give it a name, such as 'Mayfair.' His ownership of the land is then registered in the 'register of title' maintained by Land Registry. On completion of registration, a 'Title Information Document' (TID) is issued which shows information taken from the register, including details of the owner and the property.

In the example given, the TID will show that 'Lord John Smith' is owner of 'Mayfair.' It is not a certification or guarantee by a government department that Mr John Smith is now "officially" Lord John Smith of Mayfair.

• Genuine titles of honour can only be granted by the Crown and cannot be sold by the person to whom they have been granted.
• Once land is registered, Land Registry guarantees legal ownership or title to the land.
• A Land Registry title does not authorise or guarantee the use of a particular form of address, such as 'Lord' or 'Lady'.