Deed Fraud Protection

Deed fraud is on the rise, and it’s targeting YOU and homeowners.

What is Deed Fraud? It’s when someone illegally transfers property ownership without consent, using forged or fraudulent documents and identities. The financial fallout can be serious for both your clients and for you.

As an agent, you're on the front lines. That’s why we are here to equip you with the knowledge, red flags, and steps to protect yourself and your clients before fraud can take hold.

• Forged Signatures: Scammers forge an owner’s
  signature to transfer and record a fake deed.

• Impersonation: Criminals pose as the rightful owner using fake IDs or notary fraud.

• Fake Buyer or Seller: Fraudsters sell property they don’t own—often vacant or rental—and vanish with the money.

• Elder Abuse or Coercion: Elderly owners are misled or pressured into unknowingly signing over their property.

• Power of Attorney Abuse: A POA is used—legitimately or not—to fraudulently transfer ownership.

• Professional Collusion: Corrupt notaries or title
  agents assist in recording forged deeds.

• Reverse Mortgage Scams: Seniors are tricked into
  mortgage deals that result in deed manipulation.

• Unrecorded Deeds: Forged deeds are held back from recording to enable financial or future fraud.

⚠️ Client refuses to meet in person or via video.

⚠️ Seller refuses or delays providing photo identification.

⚠️ Seller pushes for a fast, cash-only close at a price below market value.

⚠️ Seller insists on no “For Sale” sign, especially for vacant land.

⚠️ Seller shows limited property knowledge beyond public records.

⚠️ Seller claims to be related to the owner without documentation.

⚠️ Seller is located out of state or abroad and avoids meetings.

⚠️ Seller insists on using their own notary, or wants to use title/escrow of their choosing.

⚠️ Seller directs funds to a third party not listed as the property owner.

⚠️ Seller using non-standard forms of communication such as WhatsApp.

⚠️ Seller mailing address is different than tax records.

• Verify Seller Identity

• Extra Precautions for Remote Transactions

• Physical Property Verification

• Neighborhood Outreach

• Public Records Review

• Seller Verification Letter

• Escalation Procedures

Verify Seller Identity

• Always request and verify a government-issued photo ID.

• Cross-check the seller’s identity against public property records.

• Use tools like Forewarn.com and social media to confirm identity consistency.

• Prefer in-person meetings. If remote, hold a live video meeting to match the person to the ID.

Extra Precautions For Remote Transactions

• Strongly encourage in-person closings when          possible.

• If remote closing is necessary, use title company-recommended remote notaries.

• Always confirm wire instructions directly with both the client and the title/law office.

Seller Verification Letter 

• Send a copy of the signed listing agreement to the mailing address listed on tax records.

• Include the Seller Verification Letter to confirm the legitimacy of the listing.

• If used for one customer, apply the same process to all clients for consistency.

Public Records Review

• Review deeds, title history, and MLS listings for unusual activity.

• Look for recent, unexplained ownership changes or irregularities in transaction history.

Neighborhood Outreach

• Where legal and appropriate, canvass the neighborhood.

• Speak with nearby property owners to confirm occupancy and ownership details

Physical Property Verification

• Personally visit vacant properties when possible.

• After your visit, ask the seller to describe specific features of the property to confirm familiarity.

Escalation Procedures

• Immediately pause the transaction if you suspect fraud.

• Contact your state broker team for guidance.

• Document all concerns, actions taken, and communication.