05/11/2026
Deed Theft in America:
I am reading lots of issues of Deed Theft and want to share some tips on how to avoid it happening to you.
This is a huge fraud happeing all over our country.
Deed theft is when someone nefarious takes control of the title to your property and uses it pretend they are the owner, take out equity lines of credit and in some cases try to foreclose the homeowner out of their paid off propoerty.
A. Criminals looks for Properties that are PAID OFF, with no 1st position debt filed on the title to the property.
B. Criminals use our county websites to look for fully paid off properties, essentially shopping for deeds with no liens attached to them. Yes, all of these documents are publicly accessible by anyone. Our Government needs to alter this process.
C. Criminals will create fake accounts and fake ID's to apply for a mortgage. Numerous mortgages are originated online, where no human interaction is required. The criminals will put an Equity Line Of Credit on your property and spend your money.
D. The bank calls you approximately 3 months later asking why you havent made your payments, on your full ypaid pff property.
If it does happen to you, Call the police and call your bank.
Ways to Protect Yourself:
1. United States Postal Service has informed delivery. It's Free! USPS will email you a picture of the mail coming to your proeprty, before any criminals can see.
2. Freeze your credit. Freeze your credit to avoid any new loans being taken out in your name. Go to the 3 credit burough websites and click the red button to freese your credit. If you need to get a loan, click the button green before you apply.
3. Turn Alerts On Your Title. If anyone touches your title, you are notified immediately and may be able to stop the steel. Available through the county clerks office.
4. If you can, keep an open mortgage in first position on your property. If any criminal wants to apply for equity, the first position lien will most liekly need to be paid prior as most lenders do not write 2nd position mortgages. Escrowing your taxes & insurance will convert the twice annual tax payments to 12 smaller payments.
Stay Safe my friends!