09/04/2026
🚨 FBI WARNING: Is Your Paid-Off Home at Risk?
🚨If your home is completely paid off, you have a target on your back. The FBI has issued a major warning about a massive surge in deed fraud and house stealing.
Scammers are using public records to find unencumbered properties, buying owner details from data brokers, and forging signatures to sell properties right out from under the real owners.Here are 4 immediate steps you must take to protect your biggest investment:
🏡 1. Lock In Free Title Monitoring
County Fraud Alerts: Contact your local county recorder’s office immediately. Most counties offer a free Property Fraud Alert Service that texts or emails you the second a deed, lien, or mortgage is recorded against your home.
Audit Your Title: Periodically check your county's online property database to ensure your name is still listed as the sole owner.
🌐 2. Scrub Your Home’s Digital Footprint
Hide Interior Photos: Log into Zillow or Redfin, claim your home's dashboard, and request to take down past interior photos and floor plans. Scammers use these to "sell" your home online without ever setting foot inside.
Blur Google Street View: Look up your house on Google Maps, click "Report a problem," and request to blur your home's exterior to throw off remote scammers.
🛑 3. Starve Scammers of Your Private Data
Opt-Out of Data Brokers: Fraudsters need your exact full legal name, birthday, and mailing address to fake IDs and pass notary checks. Use tools like DeleteMe or Incogni to pull your info off public people-search sites.
Watch Your Mail: If your property tax bills or utility statements suddenly stop arriving, investigate immediately. Scammers often redirect your mail first.
🔒 4. Upgrade Your Structural Protection
Check Your Title Insurance: Your standard owner's title insurance stays active as long as you own the home. Call your insurer to verify if your policy includes post-purchase forgery endorsements (ALTA 49/49.1).
Consider a Living Trust: Moving your deed into a living trust removes your personal name from public county records. Because selling a trust-owned home requires specialized legal documentation, scammers usually walk away and look for an easier target.
👉 Don't wait until it's too late. Share this with friends and family who own their homes free and clear!
Are you looking to purchase or sell a home in the Central Florida area call today for assistance 407-925-4041