Cook County Offers Free Alerts When Documents Are Recorded Against Your Property

Cook County homeowners have a new free way to keep an eye on their property records. According to WTIP, the county has launched a Document Alert system designed to help detect potential property or deed fraud.

How the alert system works

The service notifies owners when a document is recorded in the County Recorder's Office under their name, legal description, or associated parcel number. The goal is to give owners early warning if someone records a document without their knowledge or authorization.

How it came about

County officials proposed the system in May at a Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting. On May 26, the commissioners unanimously approved it. The county worked with Tyler Technologies to implement the service.

Why it matters

Deed fraud generally involves someone recording a document that affects who appears to own, or have a claim on, a property. Because recorded documents are often not seen by the owner until a problem surfaces, an alert can shorten the time between a suspicious filing and its discovery.

County officials said Cook County has had no reported deed fraud cases. They noted, however, that similar incidents have occurred in surrounding counties and other states. The alert system is therefore a preventive measure rather than a response to a local wave of cases.

What you can do

• Sign up if you own property in Cook County. The service is free, and you can use your name, legal description, or parcel number.
• Consider monitoring every property you own, including vacant land or rental properties you do not visit often.
• If you live elsewhere, check your county recorder's website to see whether a similar fraud alert service is offered, and sign up if it is.
• Watch your mail. Unexpected letters about your property, mortgage, or taxes deserve a closer look.
• Act quickly on anything suspicious. If an alert shows a document you do not recognize, contact the county recorder's office and local law enforcement.
• Keep your own records handy, such as your deed and closing paperwork, so you can compare them against anything new that is recorded.

Source: WTIP