Protecting Your Property: How to Guard Against Deed Fraud

Most people take steps to protect their everyday valuables. We lock our cars, keep an eye on our wallets, and avoid leaving purses unattended. But few people consider that someone could attempt to steal something far more valuable — their home.

Sounds outlandish? It’s not. 

Deed fraud, sometimes called title theft, is a very real form of real estate crime. It occurs when someone illegally transfers ownership of a property without the true owner’s knowledge or consent. In simple terms, a scammer “steals” a property on paper.

Imagine this. A fraudster named Frank, locates a property online, prepares a fraudulent quitclaim deed, forges the owner’s signature, obtains a fake notarization, and files the document with the county clerk. Frank can then sell the property, rent it out, borrow against it, or use the address for other nefarious activities. In this scenario – a quitclaim deed was used. This deed is a legal document that transfers whatever ownership interest a person may have in a property, but it does not guarantee valid ownership or clean title, like a warranty deed would. It’s more common in family property transfers. A fraudster would know this.  

Although a fraudulent deed can often be overturned, resolving the issue may require legal assistance, title correction work, time, expense, and considerable stress for the rightful owner.

Common Targets

Fraudsters tend to focus on properties that may go unmonitored for extended periods of time, including:

• Rental or vacation homes that sit vacant much of the year 

• Elderly homeowners, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline 

• Inherited properties where title has not yet been updated properly 

• Vacant land 

• Mortgage-free homes 

• Out-of-state or remote owners 

• Homes located in rapidly appreciating markets 

Often, owners first realize something is wrong when:

• Property tax bills stop arriving 

• Mail delivery changes unexpectedly 

• Notices regarding unknown loans or liens appear 

Is deed fraud widespread? No. But good risk management means recognizing potential vulnerabilities before they become major problems — much like installing smoke detectors and checking wiring long before a house fire ever occurs.

Ways to Be Proactive

Fortunately, here are seven practical steps property owners can take to reduce risk.

1. Check for Property Fraud Alert Programs

Many counties now offer free Property Fraud Alert systems that notify owners when documents are recorded in their name. In Texas, counties such as Collin County and Williamson County offer these services. Alerts may notify you if someone records documents fraudulently in your name such as:

• A deed 

• A lien 

• A release 

• Other property-related documents 

2. Review Property Information Annually

When paying your property taxes each year, take a few moments to verify:

• The listed owner’s name 

• The mailing address 

• That your homestead exemption remains active 

You should also periodically review official online county clerk records to ensure there are no unfamiliar transactions for your property, including:

• Deeds 

• Liens 

• Ownership transfers 

3. Ignore Suspicious Solicitations

Be cautious of unsolicited mail asking you to:

• “Update” your deed 

• Correct an allegedly defective title 

• Sign quitclaim deed paperwork 

• Sell your house quickly for cash 

These can sometimes be warning signs of scams.

4. Use Reputable Professionals

Whenever buying, selling, gifting, or transferring property, work with a trusted title company or real estate attorney. Reputable professionals help:

• Verify identities 

• Ensure proper notarization 

• Provide title insurance 

• Record documents correctly 

5. Monitor LLC and Entity Filings

If property is owned through an LLC or other entity, periodically review:

• Secretary of State filings 

• Registered agent information 

• Ownership or management amendments 

• Mailing address

6. Protect Vacant or Remote Properties

For vacant homes or land:

• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on the property 

• Install security cameras with remote access 

• Ensure your mailing address remains current with county records 

7. File for Homestead Exemption

• For primary residences, maintaining a homestead exemption not only provides tax benefits but may also help signal legitimate occupancy and ownership.

Deed fraud remains relatively uncommon, but awareness and routine monitoring can go a long way toward protecting one of your most valuable assets. Just as we safeguard our bank accounts and personal information, it is wise to periodically review and protect our property ownership records. A few simple preventative steps today may help avoid significant financial and emotional hardship tomorrow.