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Glossary

Deed Fraud / Title Theft

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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:

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