On the Record: Protecting Your Home from Deed Fraud

For most families, their home is their largest investment. Unfortunately, criminals across the country have begun targeting property owners through a scheme known as deed fraud or title theft. By filing forged documents that appear legitimate, bad actors attempt to transfer ownership of a property without the owner’s knowledge. While these cases are still relatively rare, the financial and emotional damage they cause can be devastating.

County recorder’s offices serve as the official guardians of property records. While a recorder cannot legally reject a document simply because it appears questionable, we can help ensure records are transparent and accessible so problems can be identified quickly.

The best protection homeowners have is awareness. If you receive unexpected mail about your property, unfamiliar loan documents, or notices related to a property transfer you did not authorize, contact your county recorder or title professional immediately. Protecting property rights has always been a core responsibility of recording offices, and it remains one of our most important duties today.