WPBN: In Florida, homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned about deed theft, commonly referred to as deed fraud.
The fake transfer of property ownership is the subject of this pernicious crime, which frequently goes unnoticed by victims until it is too late. It’s important to comprehend what deed theft is, how it happens, why it’s difficult to prevent, and what you can do to protect your property as authorities warn of a rise in these incidents.
The legitimate owner faces a financial and legal nightmare as the criminal can sell the property, take out loans against it, or even rent it out after the fake deed is recorded.
Lax notarization standards and the quick rise in internet real estate transactions in Florida have made it easier for these crimes to happen. A property deed, which is the official document that certifies who owns a property, can be falsified or altered, which can have disastrous effects on unwary homeowners.
What Permits Deed Fraud?
The simplicity with which documents can be recorded and faked makes deed fraud easier. With the use of modern technology, crooks may easily produce convincing forgeries.
Furthermore, the deed registration process frequently lacks strict verification procedures, which allows fake documents to evade detection.
Fraud detection and prevention measures are made more difficult by the decentralized nature of property records, which are kept at the county level.
How to Proceed If You Have Been the Target of Deed Fraud?
The following actions should be taken right away if you believe that you are a victim of deed fraud:
- Get in touch with authorities: Report the fraud to the county recorder’s office and your local law enforcement agency.
- Ask a Lawyer: To learn more about your alternatives and start the legal process to undo the fraudulent deed, get legal counsel from a lawyer who specializes in real estate fraud.
- In order to avoid more financial difficulties, notify your lender about the scam if you have a mortgage on the property.
- Keep an eye on your credit: Look for any unusual behavior that might be connected to the fraud on your credit report.
- For more information, call (850) 410-7000 to reach the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
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How Florida Property Protection Works?
Take the following precautions to protect your property from deed fraud:
- Enroll in Property Alerts: A lot of Florida counties provide free property alert systems that let you know when a mortgage, deed, or other formal document is filed under your name.
- Regularly Examine Property Records: Make sure there haven’t been any unlawful modifications to your property records by periodically reviewing them.
- Employ Reputable Experts: When engaging in real estate transactions, collaborate with competent experts such as notaries, lawyers, and real estate brokers.
- Secure Personal Information: To avoid identity theft, which frequently precedes deed fraud, safeguard your personal information.
