How to Avoid Home Title Fraud

Home title fraud occurs when someone obtains the title of your property—typically by stealing your identity—to transfer ownership of your property title to their name. The thief can then secure as many loans as possible using your equity as collateral. In this situation, the homeowner is often completely unaware of the scam until the lender sends letters indicating their intention to foreclose on the home.
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IDShield’s Licensed Private Investigators have provided actions you can take to protect yourself from this type of fraud and steps to take if you think you are a victim:

Protect yourself against home title fraud with these steps.

1. Be careful with emails. Don’t click on links or open attachments within any suspicious
   emails. Also, don’t provide personal information over email; verify the sender of emails you receive.
2. Use strong passwords – and change them every few months – for all your online accounts.
3. Watch for new credit monitoring alerts if you are enrolled in IDShield. If you are not enrolled, check your credit report at least annually.
4. Verify your property ownership. Property records are public records. Make routine inquiries on your county property appraiser and county tax collector’s websites to confirm that you remain the owner of record.
5. Physically monitor your property if you do not live in it daily. If it's a vacation home or second home, have a trusted person drive by to check on it. Have them verify that there are no people or activity on the property that you did not permit and that there isn't a for-sale sign posted.
6. Think twice before signing any documents you’re unsure about. Even better, have a lawyer review them first. If you are enrolled in LegalShield, your coverage includes review of legal
   documents.

Four steps to take if you become a victim of home title fraud.

1. Contact the financial institution involved to freeze the funds.
2. Call your county recorder immediately. They may want to see proof of mortgage, deed, or any other material supporting you as the owner.
3. Report the fraud to local and federal law enforcement and file a police report.
4. A lawyer could be required if the property is being sold. If this is the case, you may need to
   retain legal assistance. If enrolled in LegalShield, you can seek counsel with your provider law firm on necessary legal actions.

If you are enrolled in IDShield and think you are a victim or concerned about home title fraud, please call to speak with an identity theft specialist.
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IDShield provides identity monitoring, unlimited consultation and full-service identity restoration. LegalShield offers direct access to a dedicated provider law firm that can assist with common personal legal matters, including document review.
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If you are not enrolled, please consider doing so during your employer’s next open enrollment
period.

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