Overview

Home Title Theft, also known as Deed Fraud, is an increasingly prevalent crime with severe consequences for property owners. This offense occurs when a perpetrator forges the property owner's signature on legal documents—such as deeds, acts of sale, or transfer documents—to unlawfully transfer ownership of real estate. The fraudulent deed is then recorded, making the transfer appear legitimate. The criminal may subsequently sell the property or secure loans against it, absconding with the proceeds and often remaining beyond the reach of law enforcement due to the remote nature of these transactions. 

Methods and Vulnerable Targets

Scammers frequently target properties that are fully paid off and have no outstanding mortgage, as these are easier to transfer without lender notification. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, are at particular risk. In some cases, scammers may wait until the property owner passes away before taking possession, selling the property, or borrowing against it. This tactic exploits the inability of the deceased to contest the fraudulent transaction during probate or succession proceedings. 

Preventive Measures

Property owners can take several steps to safeguard their homes:

• Document Retention: Maintain copies of your deed, act of sale, and mortgage documents.
• Tax Notice Review: Carefully examine annual property tax notices to ensure your name appears correctly and that no unauthorized transactions have occurred. If you do not receive these notices, promptly contact the relevant agencies, such as the local tax collector.
• Mortgage Statement Monitoring: If your property is mortgaged, ensure you receive regular mortgage statements. Missing statements may indicate a problem.
• Clerk of Court Inquiries: Periodically contact the Clerk of Court to verify that no unauthorized transfers, mortgages, or liens have been recorded against your property. 
• Credit Report Monitoring: Regularly review your credit reports for unfamiliar transactions. The website https://www.annualcreditreport.com offers free annual credit reports. 



Responding to Home Title Theft

If you or a loved one becomes a victim of Home Title Theft or Deed Fraud, take the following actions:

1. Report the Crime: File a report with your local law enforcement agency.
2. Notify Financial Institutions: If you have a mortgage, inform your mortgage company immediately.
3. Alert the Clerk of Court: Request that the fraudulent transaction be flagged.
4. Credit Protection: Consider placing a credit freeze with major credit reporting agencies.
5. Seek Professional Assistance: Legal professionals can investigate and work to protect your rights and restore home ownership. 

We will gladly investigate the fraudulent transaction and work to protect your rights and restore your home ownership. If you are an unfortunate victim of this terrible crime, we welcome to opportunity advocate for you and hold the wrongdoer(s) accountable.