Top 5 Signs You Might Be a Target for Deed Fraud
Deed fraud is a crime that can happen to anyone, but criminals often seek out specific types of properties and homeowners they perceive as easier targets. While no one is immune, understanding the risk factors can help you be more vigilant. If you fall into one or more of these categories, you may be a prime target for deed fraud.
Here are the top five signs that you might be at a higher risk.
1. You Own a Second Home, Vacation Home, or Rental Property
Properties that are not your primary residence are the most common targets for deed fraud. Criminals know that you are not physically present at the property every day, which means it will likely take you longer to notice any signs of fraudulent activity, such as suspicious mail or unexpected visitors. This gives them a larger window of time to commit their crime undetected.
2. You Own a Vacant Property or Undeveloped Land
Vacant properties are an even bigger target. Since there is no mail being delivered and no one checking on the property regularly, a fraudulent title transfer can go unnoticed for months or even years. The lack of an existing structure also makes the fraudulent sale process simpler for the criminal.
3. You Have a Significant Amount of Home Equity (or Own Your Home Outright)
A thief’s goal is to steal your equity. The more equity you have, the more attractive you are as a target for deed fraud. Seniors who have paid off their mortgage are particularly vulnerable because they represent a 100% equity target.
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4. Your Personal Information Has Been Exposed in a Data Breach
Deed fraud begins with identity theft. If you have received a notice that your personal information was compromised in a corporate data breach, it means your data may be available to criminals on the dark web. This gives them the key information they need to impersonate you and forge legal documents.
5. You Are an Elderly Homeowner
Sadly, criminals often specifically target seniors. They may perceive elderly homeowners as being less tech-savvy, more trusting, or less likely to be actively monitoring their credit and property records, making them a more vulnerable target for deed fraud. For more on protecting against this, see our guide on how to protect your home title. The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative provides valuable resources for seniors.