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For most people, their home is their largest financial investment.
Unfortunately, it’s also becoming an attractive target for criminals.
Property fraud, sometimes called deed fraud or title fraud, is one of the fastest-growing real estate crimes in the United States. While many homeowners believe identity theft only affects bank accounts or credit cards, criminals are increasingly targeting real estate because of the equity homeowners have built over time.
The good news is that protecting yourself is easier than you might think, and in many Texas counties, it’s completely free.
What Is Property Fraud?
Property fraud occurs when someone fraudulently files documents with a County Clerk’s Office to make it appear they own your property or have legal rights to it.
These criminals may attempt to:
- Transfer ownership through a forged deed
- Borrow against your home’s equity
- Sell property they don’t legally own
- Create liens against your property
Because many property records are public, criminals can identify homes with significant equity and target unsuspecting homeowners.
How Does Property Fraud Happen?
The process often begins with forged documents.
A criminal creates fraudulent paperwork and records it with the County Clerk’s Office. If the fraud goes unnoticed, it can create expensive legal issues that take months or even years to resolve.
Many homeowners don’t discover the fraud until they:
- Attempt to refinance
- Sell their home
- Receive unexpected legal notices
- Discover liens against their property
That’s why early detection is so important.
Should Texas Homeowners Be Concerned?
While property fraud isn’t something most homeowners experience, it can have devastating financial consequences.
The FBI has identified mortgage and real estate fraud as an ongoing concern, and as more public records become available online, criminals have greater access to property ownership information.
The best defense is awareness combined with early notification.
How Can You Protect Your Home?
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by enrolling in your county’s FREE Property Fraud Alert program.
After registering your name, you’ll receive an email notification if a document is recorded using your name within your county.
While these alerts don’t prevent fraud from occurring, they allow you to respond quickly before the problem becomes much larger.
Registration typically takes less than five minutes.
Three Simple Steps Every Homeowner Should Take
1. Register for Property Fraud Alerts
Sign up using your county’s official Property Fraud Alert service.
2. Monitor Notifications
Watch for any alerts regarding recorded documents involving your name.
3. Act Immediately
If you receive an alert that doesn’t look familiar, contact your County Clerk’s Office immediately. You should also consult an attorney or title professional if fraud is suspected.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home is only the beginning of homeownership.
Protecting it is a lifelong responsibility.
Whether you’ve owned your home for six months or thirty years, taking five minutes today to register for your county’s Property Fraud Alert service can provide valuable peace of mind.
As your REALTOR®, my goal doesn’t end at the closing table. I’m committed to helping homeowners protect, maintain, and maximize one of their greatest investments for years to come.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Whether you’re buying your first home, preparing to sell, or simply looking for trusted homeowner advice, I’m here to help.
If you’re ready to create a plan for your next move or want practical real estate insights that make a difference, join my 100 Days of Impact community.
Over the course of 100 days, you’ll receive valuable real estate tips, market insights, homeowner resources, motivation, and practical strategies designed to help you make informed decisions and build long-term wealth through real estate.
👉 Join the 100 Days of Impact and take the next step toward becoming a more informed homeowner and investor.
Or, if you have questions about buying, selling, protecting your home, or understanding today’s market, contact me anytime.
Robert L. Wagner, REALTOR®
Century 21 Judge Fite Company
📞 817-791-0631
📧 RobertWagner@judgefite.com
🌐 RLWRealEstate.com
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Frequently Asked Questions About Property Fraud
What is property fraud?
Property fraud, also called deed fraud or title fraud, occurs when someone illegally records documents to make it appear they own your property or have a legal interest in it. Criminals may attempt to transfer ownership, obtain loans against your home’s equity, or sell property they do not own.
How does property fraud happen?
Property fraud usually begins with forged legal documents filed with the County Clerk’s Office. Because property records are public, criminals may target homes with significant equity. If the fraudulent filing isn’t discovered quickly, it can create costly legal and financial issues.
Can someone steal your house through deed fraud?
While someone cannot physically take your home overnight, criminals can fraudulently transfer ownership or place liens against your property using forged documents. This is why monitoring your property records is important.
How do I protect my home from property fraud?
The easiest step is to register for your county’s free Property Fraud Alert service. You’ll receive notifications whenever a document is recorded using your name. It’s also a good idea to regularly review your property records and safeguard your personal information.
Is Property Fraud Alert free?
Yes. Many Texas counties provide Property Fraud Alert as a free service to homeowners. Registration takes only a few minutes and can provide an early warning if suspicious documents are recorded.
How do I sign up for Property Fraud Alert in Texas?
Visit your county’s official Property Fraud Alert website and register your name. Once enrolled, you’ll receive email notifications whenever a document matching your name is recorded.
What should I do if I receive a Property Fraud Alert?
If you receive a notification about a document you don’t recognize:
- Review the document immediately.
- Contact your County Clerk’s Office.
- Notify your title company or real estate attorney.
- Report suspected fraud to local law enforcement if appropriate.
- Keep copies of all communications and documents.
Early action can significantly reduce the impact of fraudulent activity.
