Deed Fraud Alerts
Homeowners are frequently concerned about the idea of deed fraud, but what is it and what actions they can take?
In this post, I’ll provide a general overview of what deed fraud is, how it happens, and highlight some of the tools provided by some Central Indiana county governments to help alert you to potential concerns with your property—specifically providing an example from Hamilton County, Indiana, and its property watch services. Other county links are also provided.
What is Deed Fraud?
Deed fraud occurs when someone unlawfully transfers the deed to your property, making it look like they own it. Using phony IDs and forged signatures, the fraudster then files paperwork with the county’s recorder of deeds to transfer ownership of the property to themselves or to a third party. Once the fraudulent deed is recorded, the thief might attempt to sell, obtain a mortgage based on the fraudulent deed, or otherwise take advantage of the property. In some cases, this type of fraud is even undetected until the rightful owner is alerted by a notice of foreclosure or a mortgage lender.
Fortunately, homes with a mortgage typically have banks monitoring the deeds for suspicious activity while properties without a mortgage can be easier targets since their deeds are typically unmonitored. Having said that, homes with mortgages are not immune to this type of fraud.
For homeowners, deed fraud can be a nightmare scenario. Deed fraud could lead to losing control over your home, dealing with mounting legal fees, and the challenge of proving that you are the rightful owner.
Tools Available Through Your County Government
While deed fraud is a serious threat, many counties have put measures in place to help homeowners monitor their property records so they can take quick actions to help protect their ownership rights. One valuable tool that can help detect fraudulent activity is the Property Watch service, available in many counties across the United States. Hamilton County, Indiana, is one such example.
Please be aware these services will not prevent a fraudulent transfer of real estate. The services merely notify a person when a document has been recorded meeting the specified criteria. It is up to the owner to obtain legal counsel if the recording activity is not something they have initiated.
Hamilton County has partnered with Doxpop Property Watch to offer an easy-to-use monitoring service that can help homeowners stay informed about any changes to their property records. Here’s how it works:
Doxpop Property Watch – A Tool for Staying Informed
Hamilton County residents can sign up for the Doxpop Property Watch service, which allows property owners to receive alerts whenever there is a change to the public records associated with their property. This can include things like:
A new deed being recorded in the homeowner’s name
A mortgage or lien being filed against the property
Any other legal changes to the title or ownership
By registering for this free service, homeowners can track activity related to their property and be notified immediately if something suspicious happens. If you ever see a notification about a change that you didn’t authorize, you can act quickly to investigate and, if necessary, alert the authorities or take legal action.
How Hamilton County Homeowners Can Set Up Property Watch
Hamilton County, Indiana, makes it simple to register for Doxpop Property Watch:
Visit the Doxpop Website: Go to the Hamilton County website or directly to Doxpop’s property watch page.
Enter State / County / Your Name: Start by selecting the state and county where you own property and enter your name as it usually appears on legal documents, then click the “Continue” button.
Monitor Your Property: The service should return property results; select the property you would like to receive alerts for and press the “Continue” button.
Subscribe: Follow the remaining on-screen directions to enter your contact information and then click the “Subscribe” button when finished.
This service is invaluable because it alerts homeowners and keeps them informed about any changes to their property’s legal status. If you’re concerned that someone may be trying to fraudulently alter your property’s deed, receiving alerts of this nature will allow you to act quickly, potentially preventing further damage.
Additional Central Indiana County Links
Considerations for Homeowners and Heirs
While there are plenty of tools available to protect against deed fraud, homeowners should also consider other proactive measures to ensure their property is safe:
Monitor Your Property Regularly: Even if you’re using a property watch service, it’s important to remain vigilant. Regularly review your property records and tax assessments for any signs of unusual activity.
Secure Your Personal Information: Protect your personal information from identity theft, as it could be used to commit deed fraud. Be cautious about sharing sensitive data and consider using identity theft protection services.
Plan for the Future: Ensure that your property is properly titled and that your estate planning documents are up to date. If you have heirs, make sure they understand how to access your property records if needed.
Alert Your Heirs: Make sure your heirs know about tools like Property Watch and other monitoring services, so they can quickly act if something happens to you.
Conclusion
Deed fraud is a serious issue that can affect homeowners of all ages, but there are steps you can take to protect your property. Through services like Doxpop Property Watch in Hamilton County, Indiana, homeowners can stay informed about any changes to their property records and catch potential fraud early. It’s important to take advantage of these county resources, stay vigilant, and regularly monitor your property’s legal status.
If you suspect fraud or have any concerns about your property, don't hesitate to contact your county’s real property department, legal professionals, or a real estate agent for guidance on the next steps. By being proactive, you can help safeguard your home and your financial future.
