Stay vigilant and safeguard your most valuable asset—your home.
When we think about protecting our home, we often focus on locks, alarm systems, or insurance. But there’s another, lesser-known threat that can jeopardize your ownership without you even realizing it: deed theft.
What is Deed Theft?
Property fraud or house-stealing which is known as deed theft occurs when criminals fake your identity to steal ownership of your home through fraudulent means. This type of crime is particularly insidious because it can occur silently, without any immediate red flags.
Once the deed is forged and recorded with the county clerk, the thief may attempt to:
- Take out loans using your property as collateral
- Sell the home to an unsuspecting buyer
- Rent it out and collect payments fraudulently
And the worst part? You might not find out until it’s too late.
Who is at Risk?
Deed theft can happen to anyone, but certain homeowners are more vulnerable:
- Seniors who own their homes outright
- Owners of rental or vacant properties
- Those who’ve inherited property
- Homeowners in financial distress
How to Protect Yourself
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to proactively monitor and prevent deed theft—starting with a simple, free service offered right here in Saratoga County and surrounding counties.
✅ Sign Up for Property Fraud Alerts
The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office provides a link to a Property Fraud Alert system for users. The service provides free email notifications about documents recorded under your name. You should take action immediately whenever you notice something unusual because it could develop into a major issue.
🔗 Sign up here for Property Fraud Alerts
You’ll need a valid email address and the name you want monitored. It’s quick, easy, and can give you much-needed peace of mind.
Additional Tips:
- You should check your deed periodically through your county clerk’s office
- Check your credit report once per year to detect any unusual activities.
- Be cautious when receiving unexpected mail that contains information about your property or your name.
- Placing a credit freeze at your credit reporting agency should be your next step.
- A real estate attorney should be consulted when you believe fraud is involved.
Don’t Wait Until It Happens to You
Deed theft exists as a real crime which occurs more frequently than most people realize. A short time investment in setting up alerts will prove beneficial for your future protection.
Sterling Real Estate Group dedicates itself to safeguard both our clients and our community members. You should distribute this information to everyone including those who face higher risks.
Your home represents more than real estate ownership because it serves as your financial asset and personal sanctuary and enduring heritage. Take steps to keep it safe.