How Can Deed Fraud Be Prevented?

Deed fraud is when a criminal illegally transfers a property's title from the rightful owner to themselves, often with a forged deed. It can affect homes, vacant land, and commercial property. Owners can take several steps to lower the risk and catch it early.

Prevention Steps

1. Sign up for the clerk's fraud alert: many Florida clerks of court offer a property fraud alert service that notifies the owner by email when a document is recorded in the owner's name. This is the fastest way to learn about a fake deed.

2. Check the county records: search the clerk's official records and the property appraiser's site from time to time to confirm the owner of record has not changed.

3. Monitor credit reports: unexpected inquiries or new loans can be an early sign of identity theft.

4. Protect personal information: share a Social Security number only when necessary, and never by phone or email to someone who made contact first.

5. Be wary of unsolicited offers: offers to buy property out of the blue, especially vacant land, can be a sign that someone is posing as the owner. Verify the identity of anyone making an offer.

6. Keep title insurance documents: an owner's title policy can cover some title losses, depending on the policy terms. Some policies cover forgery after the policy date.

7. Report suspicious activity: report suspected deed fraud to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission.

When Deed Fraud Is Suspected

1. Contact local law enforcement: give the police as much detail and evidence as possible. A report can also be filed with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

2. Notify the clerk, title company, and lenders: they can flag the property and help protect the owner's financial interests.

3. Consult a real estate attorney: an attorney can take corrective action, including a quiet title action if needed.

Filing a forged document against real property is a crime in Florida.