Is Your Home at Risk of Being Stolen? How to Protect Your Property from House Stealing

What is House Stealing?

House stealing, a term that may sound like it's pulled from a heist movie, is an alarming new form of property fraud where criminals effectively "steal" your home by forging documents and transferring ownership without your knowledge. This crime can lead to homeowners losing their properties and facing a long, arduous legal battle to reclaim them.

How Does House Stealing Work?

• Identity Theft: Criminals obtain personal information about the homeowner. This can

happen through various means such as data breaches, phishing scams, or simple mailbox theft.

• Document Forgery: Using the stolen identity, the perpetrators forge a deed transfer or other legal documents to make it appear as though the property has been sold to them.

• File the Fake Deed: The forged documents are then filed with the local county recorder’s office, effectively transferring the of the property to the criminal.

• Mortgage or Sell: Once the property is in their name, the criminal can either take out a mortgage against the property or sell it to an unsuspecting buyer, leaving the original homeowner with a huge financial and legal mess.

Real-Life Cases

• The Smiths' Nightmare: In 2023, John and Mary Smith from Ohio returned from vacation to find their locks changed and strangers living in their home. After months of legal battles, they discovered their house had been fraudulently sold using fake documents.

• An Elderly Target: 85-year-old Doris Greene from Florida was evicted from her home of 50 years after scammers forged her signature on a deed transfer. The legal struggle to reclaim her property is ongoing.

• The Elvis Presley Mansion: Though handled in a different way, likely due to it's high profile and worth, the ownership of Elvis Presley's property, voted the most popular museum in America in 2023, was put at risk earlier this month after a mysterious company named Naussany Investments and Private Lending LLC claimed the right to auction off Graceland. The company then attempted to auction off the home in a foreclosure sale.

Protect Yourself Against House Stealing

• Monitor Your Property: Regularly check your property records. Many counties offer online databases where you can view deeds and titles.
  

• Title Insurance: Ensure you have title insurance, which can help cover legal expenses if you fall victim to title fraud.

• Alert Services: Sign up for property alert services if available in your county. These services notify you if any documents are filed regarding your property.

• Secure Personal Information: Be vigilant about protecting your personal information. Shred sensitive documents, use secure passwords, and be cautious about sharing personal information.

• Verify Before You Buy: If you're purchasing a property, ensure your title company conducts thorough due diligence to verify the legitimacy of the transaction.

What To Do If You’re a Victim

1. Report Immediately: Contact your local law enforcement and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

2. Notify Your Mortgage Lender: Inform your lender of the fraud so they can flag your account.

3. Legal Assistance: Hire a real estate attorney who specializes in property fraud to help you navigate the legal process of reclaiming your home.

4. Alert the County Recorder: Notify the county recorder's office of the fraudulent deed and provide them with evidence.