‘Just like that it’s stolen’: This Tampa couple’s under-construction home was snatched by fraudsters in highly common deed scam — how to spot it and protect yourself ASAP

“Just like that, your house is stolen. It’s gone,” Larry Bilby told ABC reporters. “It only cost 70 cents and some paperwork.”

The Bilbys’ nightmare is not an isolated incident. Florida prosecutor Michael Lennon told reporters that Michelle Cherry and Victor Rodriguez targeted several local properties, making multiple trips to the county clerk’s office.

Using forged signatures on fraudulent quitclaim deeds, the couple claimed ownership of at least three properties in the Tampa area. Both Cherry and Rodriguez were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and are awaiting trial.

Quitclaim deeds appealing for fraudsters

A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to quickly transfer ownership of a property from one person to another. It releases a person’s ownership of a property without specifying what their rights or interests were.

Typically, quitclaims are used to transfer properties without a sale — for example, when a parent gives the family home to their adult child. These deeds require minimal documentation, which makes them appealing to fraudsters looking to claim ownership of properties they have no legal right to.

In cases like the Bilbys’, scammers forge signatures and file these deeds at the county clerk's office, effectively stealing the home by transferring ownership without consent. This tactic allows the scammer to secure loans against the property or even sell it to unsuspecting buyers.

Real estate fraud growing concern

Real estate fraud is a growing issue, and Florida officials are calling for legal changes to make quitclaim deed fraud more difficult. In the meantime, there are practical steps you can take to protect your property.

The Bilbys credit their county clerk's property fraud alerts with notifying them of the change in their deed, which allowed officials to catch the fraudsters in action. Check if your local county clerk's office offers property fraud alerts and set them up. These alerts will notify you via phone or email if changes are made to your deed.

Keep a close eye on your property. Even if you aren't living there, security cameras can help you spot suspicious activity. Most fraudsters look for properties they think are abandoned, hoping their crimes go unnoticed.

Fraudsters often gather details from public records and online data, so limit the information you share online. Set up digital delivery for important documents like utility and phone bills, especially if you aren’t living at the property. Fraudsters may steal mail and use that information to further their schemes.

Until stricter regulations are in place to limit this type of fraud, stay vigilant and set up fraud alerts.