4 Ways Homeowners Can Protect Themselves From Deed Fraud
You probably know where your mortgage statement is, and you likely check your property tax bill every year. However, your property deed is different. Once you close on your home and the keys are in your hand, you may never think about it again until you plan to sell.
Unfortunately, someone could forge your signature or submit false paperwork that makes it appear you authorized a transfer of your property.
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Here are four ways to help protect yourself and your property from deed fraud.
1. Monitor Your Property Records
According to the FBI, you should check your property records regularly for changes you don’t recognize. Look for any deed recorded against the property that you don’t recognize. If you notice anything suspicious, notify the county clerk or recorder’s office.
You can also register for free with Property Fraud Alert, if your county participates, to notify you by email or phone when your name appears on a newly recorded property document. The service won’t stop someone from filing a document, but you’ll know when something was filed, so you can take action.
2. Pay Attention If Property Bills Stop Coming
A missing property tax bill or water bill may not seem like a big deal, but it might be.
Although your address may have been changed by mistake, it’s also possible that someone may have deliberately changed information connected to the property. Call the tax office or utility company to find out what happened.
3. Keep an Eye on Vacant Property
If you own vacant land, a rental or a second home, check on it from time to time. According to the FBI, scammers often search public records for vacant parcels and other properties, then pose as the owner and try to sell them.
If you don’t live nearby, ask a neighbor or property manager to let you know if anything unusual comes up. Red flags include a "For Sale" sign posted on your property or random people showing up to view it.
4. Protect Your Personal Information
Someone trying to fraudulently transfer or sell your property may need more than your name to pose as you. To keep your personal information safe, tighten your social media privacy settings, delete old accounts that have your personal information and opt out of data broker sites, per Aura.
For accounts you keep, use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication. If you think someone has already stolen your personal information, freeze your credit, and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and your local police department.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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