Glossary
Deed Fraud / Title Theft
Forging a deed or power of attorney to "sell" or borrow against a house the fraudster doesn't own. Vacant and estate-owned homes are the primary targets.
Deed fraud typically involves a forged deed or power of attorney recorded in the public land records, transferring ownership to a fraudster or accomplice. The true owner may not discover it for months — until they try to sell, or until they notice a mortgage they didn't take out. Protection: county property-fraud alert services, regular land-record checks, and keeping insurance active.
Read more in the Field Guide:
- Protecting an Inherited Property from Fraud — Inherited House
- Protecting a Vacant Property — Vacant Property
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