Keep your property safe by registering for alerts from your county register of deeds.

A home is so much more than shelter. It’s a place of comfort, where we help loved ones thrive and grow. It’s where we make precious memories and plan for the future. For many, it’s the biggest investment of their life. Home and property values have not gone unnoticed by scammers who illegally transfer the title or deed for a property without the owner’s knowledge. Here’s what you need to know.

Who’s most at risk for title fraud?

Property owners, buyers and real estate pros can all be swept up in a property title scam.

Properties most at risk are those that are vacant, owned by someone who recently died or owned by an investment company, says the National Association NAR.

“[Title fraud] scams are more common in central cities and suburban areas, frequently involving vacant land rather than owner-occupied properties. Only 12% of cases involved owner-occupied homes, with the majority (52%) concerning residential land and fewer than 20% involving detached single-family houses,” the NAR reports.

How can I protect myself from title theft?

The tools title fraudsters use are forged documents and fake IDs, using them to pose as the property owner and make a fraudulent sale.

When buying property or facilitating a sale as an agent, check IDs.

If a seller only wants to communicate online, or just over encrypted or anonymous messaging apps view it as a red flag. In-person meetings are best. Housingwire advises parties to verify contact information, for example with a reverse phone search.

A legitimate owner will be able to share documents like tax statements and utility bills. If the seller has excuses for not being able to show them, be wary.

Owners of vacant property should visit regularly. If you see unauthorized activity, address it immediately. Also, ask neighbors to tell you about any suspicious activity.

What about property fraud alerts?

While there are companies that offer paid property fraud monitoring services—often part of identity-theft protection services—you can protect yourself from fraud without extra expense. Many counties offer a free notification service. Subscribers, who can be the homeowner or their attorney, will be alerted if a document is filed against their property.

Here are links to free alert services where many Consumers members own homes:

• Barry County Fraud Alert
• Allegan County Property Fraud Alert
• Calhoun County Property Alert Services
• Eaton County Property Alerts
• Ingham County Property Fraud Alert
• Muskegon County Fraud Guard Alert
• Ottawa County Fraud Alerts
• Kalamazoo Property Fraud Alert
• Kent County Fraud Notify
• Van Buren County Fraud Notification

If your county isn’t listed above, visit your county’s register of deeds website.

Local registers of deed are already on alert and empowered to act if they see something that feels off about a property transaction. Michigan policy provides powers of discretion for local authorities to flag suspicious filings and delay filings so they can investigate.

Folks considering the purchase of home title lock should know that “title lock insurance” is not title insurance and only notifies a property owner after a title is transferred. Read this FTC Consumer Advice for more details.

Protect yourself from scams

Keeping Consumers members informed about scams and how to counter them is one of our most important jobs. Learn how to protect yourself from recently reported scams on our members security webpage. There, you’ll find links to articles and podcasts to help you avoid getting scammed, as well an enrollment page for free ID theft protection.

 

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