Recently, third-party companies have been sending out letters offering to buy property. Recipients of these letters have increased concerns about whether they are falling victim to real property fraud. There are existing tools that help property owners monitor what real estate documents are being recorded using their names.
Most counties in Indiana, and many in other states, offer a free service through Property Fraud Alert: https://propertyfraudalert.com/select. Local counties that participate include Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, and Posey, among others. This service monitors whether any documents are recorded in that county under the registered name.
This is a free service and can be filled out in as many different counties as you wish. Additionally, you can request notifications for any spelling variations of your name. You must fill out the online prompt for each variation. Likewise, if you would like to receive alerts multiple different ways, for example via email and via voice phone call, then you fill out the online prompt twice selecting a different method to receive an alert each time. Your free subscription to this service will remain active indefinitely unless your county Recorder’s Office no longer participates in the program.
Property Fraud Alert does not prevent fraud from happening, but it can provide an early warning system for property owners to take appropriate actions should they determine possible fraudulent activity has taken place.
If something is filed in your name that triggers an alert, you will receive the alert notification which will contain the county location, document number, document type, recorded date, and the matched party name. This alert could be instrumental in recognizing and halting any fraudulent claims on your property. Note that if you do participate in a fraud protection service, such as Lifelock Home Title Protect, the service may cover the costs of restoring any stolen real estate information. Timely notice of real estate fraud being committed against your property may help your claim. If you receive an alert from this system for a document that you believe is fraudulent, please reach out to a member of the KDDK Real Estate team. Our team of attorneys would be happy to assist you in defending your property rights.
