Yes—“home title theft” is a real problem, but it’s more accurate to call it deed fraud: someone records forged or deceptive documents in local land records to create the appearance of an ownership change or lien. While confirmed cases can be uncommon in many counties, the impact on victims can be serious—so the practical approach is a calm, layered defense that improves detection and speeds response.

What “home title theft” really means

In everyday conversation, “home title theft” usually refers to deed fraud—a paperwork crime where a bad actor tries to record a forged deed, fraudulent transfer, or unauthorized lien in public land records to profit from a property they don’t own.¹ Because recording systems are designed to document filings (not “verify intent”), fraudulent documents can sometimes be recorded before anyone notices.¹

If you want a deeper breakdown of how these schemes work, see Home Title Theft Explained: How It Works and What to Know.

Is home title theft common

It depends on what you mean by “common.” Many local recorders report that confirmed cases in their jurisdiction are rare, even when public concern is rising.² At the same time, national housing and consumer groups have publicly highlighted deed fraud as a growing area of concern and have called for better prevention and victim recovery processes.¹

• Real problem: Deed fraud is a documented crime and can cause expensive, time-consuming legal and financial harm when it happens.¹
• Not equally distributed: Risk varies by property type, owner situation, and local recording controls—some owners face materially higher exposure than others.³

How deed fraud actually happens

1. Target selection: Criminals look for properties that are easier to exploit (vacant land, second homes, estates, or owners who are less likely to notice quickly).³
2. Identity and document abuse: They impersonate an owner, forge signatures, create fake IDs, or misuse notary processes to make paperwork look legitimate.^1,3
3. Recording the document: They file a deed or lien with the county recorder/land records office, creating confusion about ownership or encumbrances.¹
4. Monetizing: Common profit paths include attempting to sell the property, rent it, or borrow against it.³

Who is at higher risk

• Vacant land or vacant homes
• Second homes and rentals
• Inherited property or probate situations
• Elderly owners or owners who travel often

Warning signs to watch for

• Unexpected mail about a new mortgage or lien
• Notices from the county recorder about documents you didn’t sign
• Unfamiliar listings advertising your home
• Sudden changes in property tax mailing information

For a focused checklist, see How to Protect Your Property From Fraud (Deed & Title Theft).

A practical, layered defense plan

1) Use free public-record alerts if your county offers them

Some counties provide free email alerts when new documents are recorded against a property, which can help you catch suspicious filings sooner.²

2) Tighten your identity-security basics

• Use strong, unique passwords and MFA
• Reduce exposure of personal data
• Review credit reports and statements

3) Keep proof-of-ownership documents organized

Store deeds, closing documents, and title policies securely and accessibly. DomiDocs’ platform helps homeowners keep critical property records organized.

4) Know the first-response sequence

See What to Do If You Suspect You’re a Victim of Title Fraud.

What to do if you suspect fraud

1. Contact your county recorder
2. Report to law enforcement
3. Consult a real estate attorney³
4. Preserve evidence

How monitoring can help (and what it can’t do)

Monitoring works as an early-warning system. Learn more at HomeLock™ by DomiDocs®.