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Hang on to Your Home! Protect Yourself from Deed Fraud and Title Theft.
Maybe you’ve recently bought your first home. Or maybe you’ve raised a family there, and are just about to finally pay off your loan. Either way, you’ve faithfully made the mortgage payments and are proud to have a place to call your own.
Now imagine suddenly losing your home — along with the equity you’ve built up — because a scammer changed the information on your property deed. The thief can then apply for another loan in your name, fail to repay it, and open you up to foreclosure and damaged credit.
Deed fraud occurs when a criminal forges a property deed to transfer ownership without your consent. Title fraud is a broader category that includes any attempt to corrupt the legal ownership record, such as forged deeds, fake liens, or impersonation. The two terms are often used interchangeably.
Though deed fraud and title theft are still rare, all kinds of scams are on the rise. ServiSolutions wants all homeowners to be aware of this type of identity theft. Here are a few facts you need to know:
How it Happens
Criminals typically use one of these two ways to steal a person’s home title:
Forgery and impersonation: Scammers steal a homeowner’s identity through false documents and fake IDs, then illegally transfer property ownership to themselves or a third party. Now the scammer can sell the home or borrow against its value. And AI tools are making it easier than ever for fraudsters to commit forgery and impersonate homeowners.
Persuasion or coercion: Scammers contact homeowners with fake offers of mortgage assistance or tax relief. Then they’ll pressure or intimidate them into rushing through the paperwork. Without having fully checked out the documents, the victim has unwittingly signed over their home’s title to the thief.
What to Watch For
Signs that you might be a victim of this scam include:
You receive bills for accounts you didn't open, calls from debt collectors for debts you don't owe, or a notice from the IRS about unpaid taxes.
You receive communications about mortgage or home equity loans you don’t recognize.
You receive official tax or property-related documents at your address in someone else’s name.
You are denied credit because of false information on your credit report.
Real estate agents contact you about your property, or you see your home listed for sale without your consent.
You try to sell your home and discover that the title has been transferred out of your name.
Local authorities unexpectedly begin eviction proceedings against you.
How to Prevent It
Watch incoming bills: Open your mail soon after receiving it — don't let it pile up. And don't trust your junk mail. Proceed with extreme caution on any offers from strangers related to your home title or mortgage.
Monitor your credit reports: The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. By visiting AnnualCreditReport.com, you can get a free credit report from them up to once a week.
Keep it current: Make sure your contact information is up to date with the county recorder and your mortgage lender.
Check your deed: Anyone can look at the county recorder’s office for land records and property deeds online. Try to check your deed’s status regularly to ensure everything looks correct. Sign up for free alerts if they’re available.
Guard your privacy: As with all scams, giving access to your personal information makes you more likely to become a victim. Don't share personal details online on social media, in chat rooms, and on other websites that are open to the public.
Despite your best efforts, if the worst happens and you suspect title theft, contact us at ServiSolutions, notify the credit bureaus listed above, and report your issue to law enforcement. Together we’ll do our best to help you through this difficult situation.
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