A growing white-collar crime in Indiana, and other States, is when criminals file a Deed or Mortgage against your real property to wrongfully transfer, and sell, or borrow against your equitywhen they have no ownership interest in the property. This can be accomplished in several ways such as merely forging your signature and a fake or unscrupulous notary; or, using a fake power of attorney document to execute the fake documents without your consent or knowledge. This can cost property owners their property, money, and peace of mind. Fraudulent transfer of someone’s real estate can have devastating consequences for both the owner and the transferee, as well as for other parties involved in the real estate transaction.
By being vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your property from fraudsters. Credit reporting agencies do not report real property transfer transactions other than a mortgage or loan against your credit.
There is a simple free service for most Indiana residents, and other participating Counties in other States to be alerted to act quickly if a fraudulent document is recorded against your real property. You can register and receive free alerts.
www.evansvilleattorney.com/PropertyFraud is the link to the master list of participating States/Counties.
For example, to register for the free service in Vanderburgh County: www.evansvilleattorney.com/VanderburghFraudAlert
The Vanderburgh County website explains:
Property Fraud Alert is an online subscription service offered to the public that allows them to have their name monitored within the Recorder’s office in order to track possible fraudulent recordings that affect their property.
The threat of mortgage fraud and identity theft crimes continue to rise, and all too often victims of these types of fraudulent activities are unaware their homes or identity have been stolen. While Property Fraud Alert does not prevent fraud from happening; it provides an early warning system for property owners to take appropriate actions should they determine possible fraudulent activity has taken place.
It’s simple! Just enter your personal and/or business name and you will be notified when a document is recorded with your name match.
A fraudulent transfer can be challenged and reversed by a court, which means that the property can be restored to the original owner. A fraudulent transfer can also result in civil or criminal penalties, such as fines, damages, restitution, or imprisonment. If you are alerted to a fraudulent action against your real property, it is important to act quickly.