Protect Your Home From Title Theft

April 25, 2025

Deed fraud, also known as home title theft, is an increasingly prevalent real estate scam that can have devastating consequences for homeowners. 

This fraudulent activity involves forging documents to illegally transfer property ownership, allowing criminals to sell, mortgage, or rent out homes without the rightful owner's knowledge.

A notable case occurred in Detroit, Michigan, where Zina Thomas, a community organizer, was charged with stealing over 30 homes by forging quitclaim deeds. These deeds, which are typically used to transfer property between trusted parties, lack warranties and are susceptible to misuse. Thomas allegedly sold these properties to unsuspecting buyers, exploiting her position at a non-profit housing organization to target vulnerable homeowners.

The rise in deed fraud is partly due to advancements in technology, making it easier for criminals to create convincing forgeries and obtain fake notary stamps. While there are no national statistics specifically tracking home title theft, the FBI reported 9,521 complaints of cyber-related real estate and rental fraud in 2023, resulting in losses exceeding $145 million.

Protecting Your Property:

• Title Monitoring Services: Many U.S. counties offer free services that notify homeowners when documents are filed in their name. Paid services also exist, but they primarily alert after fraudulent filings occur.
• Homeowner's Title Insurance: Unlike standard title insurance, a Homeowner's Policy of Title Insurance covers post-purchase fraud, including forgery and impersonation. This policy can be crucial in reclaiming ownership without extensive legal battles.
• Regular Property Record Checks: Periodically reviewing your property's records at the county recorder's office can help detect unauthorized changes early. (Arizona Couple's Home Sold Without Their Permission by Squatters ...)

Given the increasing sophistication of deed fraud schemes, Capital Recovery Agency encourages homeowners to stay vigilant and consider these protective measures to safeguard your property rights.

For a more detailed analysis, refer to:

The original article, Source: Realtor.com: Deed Fraud Is On the Rise—Here's How To Protect Your Home.

A brief YouTube video by "All Things Secured" entitled: Home Title Theft 101 (what you NEED to know)