Property fraud—also known as deed fraud or title theft—is no longer a rare occurrence. With the rise of digital transactions and artificial intelligence, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and unfortunately, more successful.
Property Fraud Cases on the Rise!
Data shows a clear upward trend in real estate-related fraud.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3):
- Over 12,000 real estate fraud complaints were reported in 2025
- Losses exceeded $275 million, up from about $173 million in 2024 and $145 million in 2023
- Mortgage fraud risk is also increasing, with about 1 in every 116 loan applications showing signs of fraud
While 2022 remains the peak year for total losses, recent data confirms fraud is rising again after a brief dip, and evolving quickly due to technology like AI-generated identities and forged documents .
American Land Title Association-Press Release April 10, 2026
What Is Property Fraud?
Property fraud typically involves criminals:
- Filing fraudulent deeds to transfer ownership
- Impersonating property owners to sell vacant land or homes
- Intercepting emails to redirect wire transfers at closing
- Using fake IDs or AI-generated profiles to appear legitimate
Often, the property owner has no idea anything has happened until it’s too late.
What Are Property Fraud Alerts?
Property fraud alert systems are free monitoring tools (usually offered by county recorders or auditors) that notify you when:
- Your name appears in public property records
- A document is recorded against your property
Think of it as a credit alert for your home—it doesn’t prevent fraud, but it gives you an early warning so you can act quickly.
How to Protect Your Property (For Free)
Here are simple, no-cost ways homeowners can protect themselves:
1. Sign Up for Property Fraud Alerts
Most counties offer this service for free. You’ll receive notifications if anything is recorded under your name.
Here are links to a few of the main Counties we Serve:
2. Monitor Your Property Online
Periodically search your property address on your county auditor or recorder website.
3. Be Careful With Public Information
Scammers often target:
- Vacant land
- Mortgage-free homes
- Out-of-state owners
4. Verify All Wire Instructions
Always confirm wiring details by phone using a trusted number—never rely solely on email.
5. Work With Trusted Professionals
Title companies, attorneys, and experienced agents are trained to catch red flags before closing.
Bottom Line
Property fraud is real, growing, and increasingly sophisticated—but the good news is that protecting yourself often starts with simple, free tools.
Setting up a property fraud alert takes just a few minutes and could save you from a devastating financial loss.
If you need any additional help with these services, please Call Meghan 440-503-6825 or Pam 216-403-3981