Here’s how scammers in America can take the title to your home without you knowing it — and 3 critical ways to protect yourself in 2025

“The targets of these crimes are often properties that are free of loans and owned by absentee owners or others who may not closely monitor their property records,” wrote Dax Junker real estate attorney in MortgagePoint magazine. “Once they gain control of the title, fraudsters will try selling the property to unsuspecting buyers, securing loans against it, or renting it out to someone. The legitimate owner is often completely unaware of the fraud until they face an eviction notice or discover liens taken against their properties, at which point they face a significant legal battle to reclaim their rights.”

Sadly, undoing the scam requires going to court. "The person who forged the deed is now the property owner," real estate attorney Arash Sadat explained to ABC7 Eyewitness News. "So, for you to get title back to that property, they would have to either grant you a deed, restoring your property or you have to go to court and have the court make an order saying you are the titled owner of this property."

This is why stopping this scheme from happening in the first place is so crucial. Fortunately, there are a few key techniques you can use to avoid this happening to you.

Sign up for alerts

There are services that homeowners can sign up for that alert them when any change is made to a deed, mortgage, or other official record.

Some of these services are paid services, offered by companies that promise to monitor the status of your property and alert you to problems. However, before signing up for a paid plan, you should check with your local officials. There may be free options that provide similar alerts. For example, in Florida, most counties allow you to sign up for alerts via email if any changes are made. You can just go online at the FL Clerk's website to find your county and get set up.

You should do this ASAP because, as the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers explain, doing so can "stop criminals in their tracks," as you'll be alerted to issues immediately and can take swift action if any papers are filed in your name or on your property that you don't recognize.

You can also set up online search alerts for your property to make sure it never gets put on sale without your knowledge and ask neighbors to inform you if they see anything suspicious.

Make sure you have title insurance

It's critical to have title insurance to protect against scams that could cost you. When you buy a property, your lender will probably require lender's title insurance to protect them. You should also get owner's title insurance as well, to protect you.

When you buy an owner's title insurance policy, the insurer checks to make sure there is nothing wrong with the title and that the chain of ownership is clear. They then provide insurance, so if it turns out something was missed, you aren't out the money.

Title insurance policies typically protect against impersonation or forgery so if it turns out scammers messed with the title of the property you bought or own, you'll have an insurer to help you cope with legal costs and avoid losses.

Protect your information

Scammers may use the internet to collect personal information about people to impersonate them and steal their property. Be careful whom you share personal details with and ensure your internet and online accounts are secure. If you answer an unknown call and you talk to a stranger who claims they are calling from the government or another organization, hang up the phone. Look up the number of the business or government agency yourself, and call back to see if it was a legit call.

By following these tips, you can keep your home safe. Since your home may be your most important and most valuable asset, it's well worth the effort.