AD Mortgage
  • Programs
  • Quick Pricer
  • Loan Tools
    • block1
      • Programs
        Loan solutions for every need
      • Concierge Service
        Bank Statements calculations
      • Partner Portal
        AIM Partner Portal 
      • A&D Appraisal Center
        Appraisal ordering platform
      • Loan Calculator
        Instant Quick Pricer
      • Partner Support
        Live support by dedicated team
    • block2
      • Turnaround Times
        Best turn times in the industry 
      • Documents & Forms
        Loan level forms
      • Guidelines
        Guidelines and matrices
      • Announ­cements
        FEMA Announcements
  • Growth & Learning
    • GROWTH TOOLS
      • Loyalty Program
        ADvantage Loyalty Program 
      • LEADer CRM
        Free CRM and marketing tool 
      • A&D Studio
        Customized product flyers
      • Events & Webinars
        Trade shows and events
    • LEARNING
      • A&D Learning Center
        Guides and tutorials
      • Webinars
        Webinar recordings
      • Blog
        Mortgage trending topics 
  • Correspondent
  • My Mortgage
  • About Us
    • About A&D
      Our management and history
    • Awards
      Our awards
    • Testimonials
      What partners say about us
    • Career
      Career with A&D
    • Associations
      Association membership 
    • Blog
      Mortgage trending topics 
    • Press about A&D
      Media about us
    • Contacts
      Contact us
855-235-6267 Support
AIM Partner Portal
Support
AIM Partner Portal
Become a Partner
AD Mortgage
Blog

How to Protect Your Home from Title Fraud

Brokers
March 07, 2025
How to Protect Your Home from Title Fraud
Post content:
  • 1. Regularly Monitor Title Records
  • 2. Invest in Title Insurance
  • 3. Secure Personal Information
  • 4. Sign Up for Alerts
  • 5. Use a Trust or LLC for Property Ownership
  • 1. Educate Clients About Title Fraud
  • 2. Encourage Regular Property Record Checks
  • 3. Promote Title Insurance
  • 4. Highlight the Importance of Secure Personal Data
  • 5. Suggest Signing Up for Monitoring Services
  • 6. Discuss Ownership Structures for High-Value Properties
  • 7. Provide a List of Resources

Imagine waking up to find that your home, your most valuable asset, has been sold without your knowledge. This alarming scenario is the reality of title fraud, a rising threat to homeowners across the country. Title fraud occurs when criminals forge documents to transfer ownership of your property, often taking out loans against it or selling it outright. The financial and emotional toll of such a crime can be devastating. Fortunately, with awareness and proactive measures, you can safeguard your home. Mortgage brokers play a crucial role in educating clients about these risks and helping them take steps to protect their property.

What Is Title Fraud?

Title fraud involves unauthorized changes to a property’s ownership records, typically through identity theft or document forgery. Criminals may impersonate the homeowner, falsify documents, and use them to sell the property or secure loans. These fraudulent activities often go unnoticed until homeowners face sudden, unexpected financial or legal challenges, such as foreclosure notices or legal disputes over ownership.

One-way criminals perpetrate title fraud is by identifying properties that appear vulnerable—such as homes owned outright by older people or rental properties owned by absentee landlords. Using stolen or fabricated identities, they file fraudulent deeds or liens to transfer ownership to themselves or an accomplice. With the false ownership in place, they secure loans against the property or sell it, leaving the actual owner with a legal nightmare.

For example, according to the Federal Trade Commission, instances of title fraud have increased significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in technology that make document forgery easier than ever. Organized schemes often target homeowners who may not actively monitor property records, exploiting gaps in oversight and security measures. This growing trend highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive safeguards to protect one’s home and property.

Signs of Title Fraud

Homeowners should be aware of the warning signs of title fraud, as early detection can prevent significant financial and emotional distress. Criminals often rely on subtle changes to property records or financial communications to execute their schemes undetected, so knowing what to watch for is crucial. Here are some of the most common indicators:

  • Receiving unexpected property tax bills. A sudden increase or change in your property tax bill could indicate unauthorized changes in ownership records. Fraudsters might update ownership details to facilitate illegal transactions, triggering changes in tax billing.
  • Notices about loans or mortgages you did not apply for. Fraudsters may secure loans or lines of credit against your property without your knowledge. Receiving communications from mortgage lenders or banks about loans you didn’t authorize is a key warning sign.
  • Difficulties when attempting to sell or refinance your property. Ownership discrepancies that arise during a title search often indicate prior fraudulent activity. These issues can delay or derail legitimate transactions.

Other red flags include receiving unfamiliar legal notices, such as eviction notices, lien filings, or deed transfer confirmations. Fraudsters may also attempt to impersonate you during transactions, leaving behind a paper trail that points to suspicious activities.

In addition to these common indicators, homeowners should also be cautious of irregularities in online property records. A routine review of property records through county offices or online databases can reveal unauthorized changes to deeds or liens. Many jurisdictions now offer notification systems that alert homeowners to changes in their property’s title, providing an extra layer of protection.

Choose a top nationwide lender that cares about your growth!

Get Started

Being vigilant about these red flags and acting quickly can minimize the damage caused by title fraud. If you suspect fraudulent activity, it’s essential to contact your local county recorder’s office, consult a legal professional, and notify any involved financial institutions immediately. Regular monitoring of property records, combined with professional guidance, ensures a robust defense against this growing threat.

How Title Fraud Affects Homeowners

The consequences of title fraud are far-reaching and can affect multiple aspects of a homeowner’s life.

Financially, victims often face significant losses, such as the depletion of home equity or even foreclosure if fraudulent loans tied to the property go unpaid. The financial strain can extend to legal fees required to resolve ownership disputes, adding further burden.

Emotionally, the stress and uncertainty of navigating the resolution process can be overwhelming. Victims may experience anxiety, frustration, and feelings of helplessness as they work to reclaim their property and clear their names from fraudulent transactions. The emotional toll can also impact family dynamics, especially if the home is the primary residence.

Additionally, repairing the damage to one’s credit score and mortgage eligibility is a long-term challenge. Fraudulent loans or liens can tarnish a homeowner’s credit profile, making it difficult to secure future financing. The process of removing these inaccuracies often involves disputes with credit bureaus, lenders, and legal entities, which can take years to resolve.

These factors highlight the critical importance of taking preventive measures. By staying vigilant, investing in title insurance, and monitoring property records, homeowners can reduce their risk and protect their most valuable asset from potential fraud.

Steps Homeowners Can Take to Protect Themselves

1. Regularly Monitor Title Records

Homeowners should periodically check property records through their local county recorder’s office to ensure there are no unauthorized changes. Online tools and databases often provide easy access to these records, making it convenient to stay updated. Regular monitoring ensures that any discrepancies can be identified and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of financial loss or legal complications.

2. Invest in Title Insurance

Title insurance is a valuable safeguard that protects homeowners from financial losses related to fraudulent claims against their property. It not only covers legal expenses associated with resolving disputes but also ensures that the rightful owner retains possession of their property. Homebuyers should prioritize purchasing title insurance during closing, while existing homeowners can consider retroactive policies for added protection.

3. Secure Personal Information

Protecting sensitive documents, such as property deeds, tax records, and financial statements, is critical in preventing identity theft—a key enabler of title fraud. Homeowners should store these documents in secure locations, such as fireproof safes or encrypted digital formats. Additionally, vigilance against phishing scams and fraudulent emails that seek to steal personal information is essential. Simple precautions like shredding outdated documents and using strong, unique passwords can make a significant difference.

4. Sign Up for Alerts

Many counties offer free or low-cost alert systems that notify homeowners of changes to their property records. These services provide immediate notifications of unauthorized activity, enabling homeowners to act swiftly to prevent or mitigate mortgage fraud. Exploring these options is a practical and proactive step in safeguarding property titles.

5. Use a Trust or LLC for Property Ownership

Transferring property ownership to a trust or limited liability company (LLC) can obscure personal details from public records, making it harder for fraudsters to target a property. While setting up a trust or LLC may involve legal fees and administrative effort, the added layer of security can be invaluable, particularly for high-value or multiple-property owners. Consulting with a legal or financial expert can help homeowners determine the best structure for their needs.

Tips Mortgage Brokers Can Share with Clients to Protect Against Title Fraud

Mortgage brokers have a unique position to guide clients through best practices that protect against title fraud. By offering practical advice, brokers can strengthen client relationships and establish themselves as trusted advisors. Here are some actionable tips brokers can share.

1. Educate Clients About Title Fraud

Ensure your clients understand what title fraud is and how it occurs. Explain the risks associated with forged documents, identity theft, and unauthorized transactions involving their property. Raising awareness helps clients recognize potential threats.

2. Encourage Regular Property Record Checks

Advise homeowners to periodically review their property records for unauthorized changes. Local county recorder’s offices often provide easy access to these records. Staying vigilant and catching discrepancies early can significantly reduce the impact of fraud.

3. Promote Title Insurance

Recommend purchasing title insurance to cover potential financial losses from fraudulent claims against the property. Highlight that this insurance provides legal assistance and financial support if their property ownership is challenged.

4. Highlight the Importance of Secure Personal Data

Stress the importance of safeguarding personal information, including property deeds, financial documents, and personal identification. Suggest practices like using secure storage options, encrypting sensitive files, and avoiding phishing scams.

5. Suggest Signing Up for Monitoring Services

Many counties and private services offer monitoring and alert systems that notify homeowners of changes to their property title. Encourage clients to enroll in these services for added peace of mind.

6. Discuss Ownership Structures for High-Value Properties

For clients with high-value or multiple properties, suggest exploring ownership through trusts or limited liability companies (LLCs). These structures add a layer of privacy, making it more challenging for fraudsters to target them.

7. Provide a List of Resources

Share links to reputable resources, such as local property alert programs, legal advice websites, and guides on securing personal data. This empowers clients with tools to proactively protect their assets.

By offering these tips, brokers can help their clients build robust defenses against title fraud and create a stronger sense of security.

Conclusion

Title fraud is a serious threat that requires vigilance and proactive measures. Homeowners who understand the risks and take proactive steps can significantly reduce their vulnerability to this growing crime. From monitoring property records to investing in title insurance, there are practical ways to stay one step ahead of fraudsters.

Get the ADvantage
with our loyalty program

Earn and redeem points for valuable benefits for you and your clients

Unlock Rewards

Mortgage brokers play a pivotal role in this fight by empowering their clients with knowledge and resources. Educating clients about the risks of title fraud is not only a value-added service but also a critical step in building trust and fostering long-term relationships. By sharing practical tips such as enrolling in property monitoring systems, securing personal information, and exploring ownership structures like trusts or LLCs, brokers can help clients fortify their defenses against potential scams.

In addition to educating clients, brokers can act as liaisons with title companies and legal professionals to ensure that all transactions are conducted securely. By recommending title insurance and emphasizing the importance of regular property record checks, brokers can provide peace of mind to their clients, ensuring that they feel supported throughout the homeownership journey.

Ultimately, combating title fraud requires a collaborative effort. Homeowners must remain vigilant, leveraging the tools and advice provided by their mortgage brokers. Brokers, in turn, must stay informed about the latest trends in fraud and incorporate this knowledge into their client education efforts. Together, these measures can create a robust defense against title fraud, safeguarding not just individual properties but also the integrity of the real estate market as a whole.

In a world where financial crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, proactive prevention is the key to ensuring peace of mind. By working hand-in-hand, homeowners and mortgage brokers can combat title fraud effectively, protecting valuable assets and reinforcing the trust that underpins every successful transaction.

author Carl Holman

Written by

Carl Holman

Communications Manager

  • linkedin
  • email
As A&D Mortgage’s Communications Manager, Carl Holman has more than 20 years of expertise in marketing, media relations, and communications, having spent 10 years of his career in mortgage lending and real estate. He holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina.
  • linkedin
  • email

Get the latest updates on our loan solutions, webinars, tradeshows, events, and more!

Your email Fill out this field
Thank you, you're successfully subscribed! Please confirm your subscription in your email.
Brokers

Get the latest updates on our loan solutions, webinars, tradeshows, events, and more!

Your email Fill out this field
Thank you, you're successfully subscribed! Please confirm your subscription in your email.
Post content:
  • 1. Regularly Monitor Title Records
  • 2. Invest in Title Insurance
  • 3. Secure Personal Information
  • 4. Sign Up for Alerts
  • 5. Use a Trust or LLC for Property Ownership
  • 1. Educate Clients About Title Fraud
  • 2. Encourage Regular Property Record Checks
  • 3. Promote Title Insurance
  • 4. Highlight the Importance of Secure Personal Data
  • 5. Suggest Signing Up for Monitoring Services
  • 6. Discuss Ownership Structures for High-Value Properties
  • 7. Provide a List of Resources

Share this article

Read more

A&D Mortgage Launches New FHA Loans Features
June 04, 2025

A&D Mortgage Launches New FHA Loans Features

A&D Mortgage Adjusts to Changing FHA Guidelines
May 20, 2025

A&D Mortgage Adjusts to Changing FHA Guidelines

A&D Mortgage’s 20 Years of Yes Celebration Continues with Price Reduction
May 07, 2025

A&D Mortgage’s 20 Years of Yes Celebration Continues with Price Reduction

Read more

Get 10 ready-to-use email templates!

New deals, better retention, and smoother ops with a simple copy + paste!

First Name *

Fill out this field

Last Name *

Fill out this field

Email *

Fill out this field

State *

Fill out this field
Please, accept the privacy policy
success

Thank you!

Click on the button below to download the checklist.

Download now
error

Oops

Something went wrong

Try again
loading
A&D mortgage footer logo

Weekdays 8 am to 9 pm EST

  • (704) 444-0877
  • partnersupport@admortgage.com
  • Partner Support
All Contacts
Policies
  • Website Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Notice at Collection for CA Residents
  • Important Disclosures
  • Heter Iska
Events
  • Events & Webinars
Career
  • Career Center
  • Available Positions
  • Employee Referral Program (PDF)
Borrower info
  • My Mortgage
  • Retention / Covid 19 Assistance
  • Mortgage Glossary
Feedback
  • Got an Idea? Let us know!
  • Leave your feedback

899 W Cypress Creek Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

NMLS # 958660 — NMLS Consumer Access

2025 © A&D Mortgage LLC

Your email

Fill out this field
Thank you, you're successfully subscribed