Property owners in California are being warned that deed and title fraud is increasing, especially in the Northeast region of the state, with empty lots and out-of-area owners particularly at risk. In these scams, criminals impersonate owners and convince real estate agents to list land or homes they do not own, often targeting properties with no recent activity or no mortgage attached. These fraudulent transfers are then recorded with county recorders, even when signatures and ownership information are clearly forged, because current law requires acceptance of any document meeting recording standards regardless of suspicion of fraud.
Officials say victims may not realize fraud has occurred until they receive unexpected tax bills, mortgage notices, or discover attempts to sell or rent their property. Because only a small fraction of suspicious recordings are reported, experts emphasize vigilance and regular property record monitoring. Realtors and title professionals are being urged to verify seller identities and work with county recorders and law enforcement when red flags arise, as the problem continues to grow statewide.
This story was first posted on californiatrusts.law
*Citation - This summary is based on the article Real Estate Deed Fraud Is on the Rise—Here’s What You Need to Know from California Trusts discussing fraud risks, how fraudsters exploit recording requirements, and the prevalence of scams in the Northeast region of the state.
