How does home title fraud work?

Property ownership is recorded in public documents at your county recorder's office. A fraudster who obtains enough of your personal information can forge a deed, file it with the county, and appear on paper as the new owner. The county does not verify authenticity or contact existing owners.

Who is most at risk of home title fraud?

Properties with no mortgage, vacant homes, rental and inherited properties, elderly homeowners, and high-value properties are the most common targets.

Is home title fraud common?

The FBI has identified real estate fraud, which includes title fraud, as one of the fastest-growing white-collar crimes in the United States — especially in markets with rising property values.

Does title insurance protect against home title fraud?

Standard title insurance only covers defects that existed at the time of purchase, not fraud that occurs after closing. The only reliable defense against post-closing title fraud is active, ongoing monitoring of your property records.

What Is Home Title Fraud? Explained

Protect Your Equity from Title Theft

Review your property-record snapshot and decide whether ongoing monitoring is right for your home

The FBI has warned that quit claim deed fraud is on the rise. County recorders file documents, but they do not verify identity or notify homeowners.

True Guard Title provides a free snapshot of the available owner, last recorded transfer, estimated value, county, parcel, and key property facts for an address.

The optional $19.99/month service monitors supported property-record sources and alerts the subscriber when a monitored change needs attention. The free snapshot is informational and is not a title search, legal advice, or a title-insurance policy.

Check My Property Free View Pricing — $19.99/month Frequently Asked Questions