Imagine a scenario: you’ve been out all morning and afternoon and cannot want to come home and just relax. Maybe you’re thinking of a tv show you can’t wait to watch or are excited to try something you picked up at the store. You go to put your key in your front door… but your key doesn’t work anymore. You’re locked out of your own house. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many Michiganders as deed fraud is on the rise all over the state.  

 

What is Deed Fraud? 

According to the US Federal Housing Finance Agency, Deed Fraud is when a “property deed or title transfer executed and recorded illegally without the authorization or knowledge of the true and present owner.” Basically, a scammer puts the deed to someone else’s home in their name and then sells it to someone else.  

 

How are they doing it? 

• A scammer may pressure or coerce a homeowner into signing over their deed, usually not understanding what they’re signing.  
• Scammers may also steal someone’s identity and use that information to forge the deed or other documents.  
• Some scammers may look through public records hoping to find vacant land or homes that do not have a mortgage. Once they have a home or piece of land in mind, they reach out to a realtor pretending to be the owner.  
• Scammers may also check obituaries and target homes where the homeowner has passed away. 
• Scammers may just forge a deed and sell the home (they don’t own!) to an unsuspecting buyer.  
• Unfortunately, the Register of Deeds Office has certain requirements they look for before accepting the deed. If all the required information is filled out, the office is not able to deny a deed.  

 

What signs should I look for? 

• Bills for loans you don’t recognize or remember applying for.  
• Receiving foreclosure notices. 
• No longer receiving bills related to your home (e.g., utility bills, property tax information, etc.). 
• Automatic payments to housing-related bills no longer going through (e.g., homeowners’ insurance, property tax bills, etc.).  
• Your credit report showing new accounts you don’t recall opening, or credit inquiries that you didn’t initiate.  
• Receiving calls from realtors about your home or seeing your home listed for sale online.  

 

How can I protect myself? 

• Never sign anything without reading it first and making sure you understand what you’re signing.  
• Never sign anything when under pressure.  
• Keep up to date on all property payments (e.g., mortgage, property tax, etc.).  
• Create a will and keep it up to date. 
• Don’t transfer a deed without first speaking with a lawyer- one that you choose or use through a nonprofit agency.  
  • Lawyers can also perform title searches.  
• Never leave your home unattended for long periods of time.  
• Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any unusual activity.  
  • Sign up for Fraud Guard Alerts through the Washtenaw County Clerks & Register of Deeds. 
  • Click here for step-by-step directions.  
• Report any unusual activity or suspected deed theft as soon as possible!