Broome County Officials Urge Homeowners to Guard Against Deed Fraud and Home Title Theft

Officials and real estate leaders in Broome County are warning homeowners about deed fraud, also called home title theft, according to a report from WICZ (FOX 40). The report is described as roughly three days old at the time it was found, so its exact publication date is approximate.

What is deed fraud?

In this type of scam, a fraudster uses forged signatures or deceptive paperwork to transfer ownership of a property into their own name. WICZ reports that scammers often target vacant land, inherited properties, or homes owned by senior citizens.

Why it matters to homeowners

Your deed is the public record showing who owns your property. If someone records a false transfer, it can create serious problems for the real owner. Properties that nobody checks on often, such as empty lots or homes passed down to heirs, may be especially easy to overlook. Because these records are public, regular check-ins can help catch problems early.

Broome County Clerk Aaron Martin said the effort is also about identifying warning signs in advance. He said he has heard stories from owners it has happened to.

County fraud alert system

Officials encourage all Broome County property owners to sign up for the county's free fraud alert notification system. It alerts homeowners whenever someone records a document in their name. Authorities also advise owners to monitor public land records regularly and to watch for unexpected notices about their property title or mortgage status.

What you can do

• Sign up for alerts. If you own property in Broome County, enroll in the county's free fraud alert notification system. Owners elsewhere can check whether their county offers something similar.
• Check your land records. Look up your property on your county recorder or clerk's website from time to time.
• Watch your mail. Pay attention to unexpected notices about your title or mortgage status, and don't ignore them.
• Keep an eye on vacant or inherited property. If you own land or a home you don't live in, or manage a relative's property, check its records more often.
• Look out for older relatives. Seniors are named as frequent targets, so consider helping family members set up alerts.
• Act quickly if something looks wrong. Contact your county clerk's office and law enforcement right away if you see a document you didn't sign or expect.

Source: WICZ (FOX 40)