Imagine discovering that someone has filed paperwork claiming ownership of your home or is attempting to sell property you never put on the market.  While deed and title fraud is not an everyday occurrence, the consequences for victims can be serious and costly.

Deed or title fraud occurs when someone uses forged documents, stolen personal information, or a false identity to fraudulently transfer, sell, or claim an interest in property they do not own.  A criminal may forge an owner’s signature on a deed, impersonate the owner during a real estate transaction, or attempt to borrow money using someone else’s property.

Vacant land, rental properties, second homes, and properties owned free and clear are particularly attractive targets because fraudulent activity can be more difficult for the legitimate owner to notice.