Guard Your Home’s Title: Simple Steps to Stay Safe

According to the FBI, real estate fraud costs victims hundreds of millions of dollars a year—and title theft is one of the fastest-growing schemes in that category.

Related Page: PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM COMMON SCAMS IN 2025

It’s silent. It’s stealthy. And it’s targeting everyday homeowners, especially seniors and those who own property free and clear.

This post is here to fix that.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly how home title theft works, what red flags to look for, and the steps you can take right now to protect what’s likely your biggest asset.

Let’s make sure your name stays on that deed—and not some criminal’s.

Section 1: What Is Home Title Theft? (And Why It’s So Dangerous)

Home title theft, also called deed fraud, happens when someone fraudulently transfers ownership of your home to themselves—or someone else—without your knowledge or consent.

It’s not a hypothetical. It happens every day across the country. Especially in states like Florida, where property records are public and often digital.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how the crime works:

1. The thief accesses public property records (usually online).
2. They create a fake deed transferring ownership to themselves or a fake identity.
3. They forge your signature using basic tools.
4. They file the new deed with the county clerk or recorder’s office.
5. You no longer legally own your home—and often, don’t even know it yet.
   
   

Why does this matter? Because once your home’s title is transferred, scammers can:

• Take out loans against your property
• Sell the home to an unsuspecting buyer
• Use the asset as collateral for fraud
• Leave you with expensive legal messes to untangle
  
  

And yes—this can happen even if you live in the home and have never missed a mortgage payment.

Section 2: Who’s Most at Risk?

Title theft is sneaky, but it isn’t random. Criminals look for easy targets—people unlikely to notice or fight back.

The most common targets include:

• Seniors (especially those aging in place)
• People who own their homes outright (no mortgage = no lender watching the title)
• Owners of second homes or investment properties
• Heirs who’ve recently inherited property
• Absentee landlords or seasonal residents (hello, Florida!)
  
  

If any of those describe you or someone you love, now is the time to act.

Section 3: Warning Signs Your Title May Have Been Compromised

While the crime itself is silent, there are often signs that can tip you off—if you’re paying attention.

Here’s what to watch for:

• You stop receiving property tax bills or utility statements
• You get unexpected foreclosure notices or eviction threats
• You notice unfamiliar names on county property records
• You receive mail addressed to someone else at your property
• You’re denied a home equity loan due to unexpected liens or ownership issues

If any of these red flags pop up, don’t wait. Investigate immediately. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to fight.

Section 4: How to Protect Your Home’s Title—Step by Step

Now to the good stuff. Here are the specific, actionable steps you can take to keep your home title locked down and secure.

1. Check Your Title Regularly

Don’t assume everything’s fine just because your home looks untouched.

Go to your local County Clerk or Recorder’s Office website, search your name or parcel number, and review your property deed. Check for unfamiliar names, filings, or suspicious activity.

Do this at least twice a year—or set a reminder to check each quarter.

2. Sign Up for County Property Alerts (If Available)

Many counties now offer free property fraud alert systems. These send an email or text anytime a document is filed against your name or property.

If you’re in Florida, you can find these alerts in many counties, including Sarasota and Manatee.

No alert system? Set up a Google Alert for your name and the words “deed” or “title” plus your county.

3. Freeze Your Credit

While freezing your credit doesn’t directly stop title theft, it makes it harder for scammers to open fraudulent loans using your home as collateral.

Freeze your credit at all three major bureaus:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

4. Get Title Insurance (If You Don’t Already Have It)

Standard owner’s title insurance typically only protects against past defects, not future fraud. However, some enhanced policies or add-on endorsements now offer limited protection against post-closing title theft.

Check with your title insurer. You might already have protection—or be able to upgrade.

5. Consider Title Monitoring Services—But Choose Wisely

You’ve seen the commercials. “Protect your home with title lock services!”

Some are helpful. Others are just expensive alert systems that you could get for free from your county.

What to look for:

• Real-time monitoring of deed filings
• Access to fraud resolution specialists
• Transparent pricing with no scare tactics

Don’t fall for fear-based marketing. Read the fine print before signing up.

6. Secure Your Personal Information

Scammers often use stolen identity info to forge documents. Shred sensitive mail. Don’t share personal info over the phone. Lock your mailbox. Avoid oversharing online—especially about inheritance or paid-off homes.

Home title theft usually begins with stolen identity. Don’t make it easy.

Section 5: What to Do If You’re a Victim

Let’s say the worst happens.

You discover someone else has filed a deed on your property. You’re staring at a county record that says you no longer own your own home.

Take a breath. Then do this—fast:

1. Report the fraud to your County Recorder’s Office immediately
2. File a police report and get a case number
3. Contact your title insurance company (if you have one)
4. Consult with a real estate attorney who specializes in fraud
5. Notify the major credit bureaus and freeze your credit
6. Report it to the FTC at identitytheft.gov

Speed is everything. The longer fraud sits undetected, the harder it becomes to reverse.

Section 6: Common Myths That Leave You Vulnerable

Let’s clear the air on a few misconceptions:

Section 7: Final Thoughts—This Is Your Wake-Up Call

Your home isn’t just a building. It’s your safety net. Your legacy. Your peace of mind.

And while home title theft might seem like a fringe crime, it's becoming mainstream. Fast.

The good news? Protecting yourself doesn’t require fancy tech or expensive subscriptions. Just awareness, vigilance, and a few smart steps.

Be proactive. Be informed. And guard your home’s title like your future depends on it—because it just might.

Quick Checklist: 7 Easy Ways to Guard Your Title

✅ Check your title through your county’s public records 

✅ Sign up for property fraud alerts

✅ Freeze your credit with all three bureaus

✅ Review your title insurance coverage 

✅ Use trusted title monitoring services (optional)

✅ Secure your identity and personal info

✅ Act fast if you see red flags

Want to share this with someone who might be at risk—like a parent, grandparent, or neighbor? Forward this post or print it out. You could save someone’s home.

If you'd like to learn more or get help finding local fraud resources, feel free to reach out to your local Liberty Savings Bank banker.

Stay safe. Stay smart. And keep your name where it belongs—on your home’s title.