“We literally are following up on possible scam reports of property fraud nearly every day and that is no exaggeration.”
Julie Reitberg is Chief Executive Officer at the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS.
“It’s sophisticated organized crime.”
The criminals pose as a seller with a legitimate property they list for sale. Convincing potential buyers using fake drivers licenses and notaries and a story they’re out-of-state. Once the documents and deed are signed the money is gone and the victims find out after the fact.
“For example, it’s when equipment shows up on their land that starts digging up their property for development, or purposes or otherwise, and they say, ‘Wait a minute. What’s happening to my property?’ And they find out that somebody bought it. And they had no idea that it happened.’
Outstanding mortgage debt the victims’ responsibility.
“This is very real, and it can happen to any homeowner, any property owner, any business owner and that’s why Fraud Notify is for all property owners.”
Lisa Posthumus Lyons is Kent County Register of Deeds.
“Fraud Notify is so easy and it’s free to sign up. I actually just signed up my property just this morning. It took me five minutes.”
The service alerts subscribers via email whenever a document bearing their name, or any other name they’ve designated, is recorded within the Kent County Register of Deeds Office. If a subscriber suspects fraud, they can immediately contact law enforcement.
You can register at accesskent.com/fraudnotify.