New fraud alert system to help safeguard Kent County property owners

Real Estate

Mar 14

Kent County has launched a new fraud alert system to help combat property fraud within the county. The Fraud Notify system is a free service that alerts subscribers via email whenever a document bearing their name, or any other name they’ve designated, is recorded within the Kent County Register of Deeds Office. Upon receiving notification of a recording, property owners will be able to assess its validity and notify law enforcement if they suspect fraud.

“Homeownership has long defined the American Dream, and families work so hard to achieve that dream,” said Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds. “That’s why we’re launching Fraud Notify to offer Kent County property owners added peace of mind and powerful information in a world where threats aided by technological advances are a growing concern.”

Property fraud occurs when someone records a fraudulent document at the county land records office, making it appear they own property that is not legally theirs. This happens unknowingly to the actual owner until they attempt a real estate transaction on the property, which could be years after the crime had been committed. Often, once the ownership is fraudulently altered, the thief sells the property. Not only is the victim robbed of what is likely their most significant financial asset, but they are then left with the outstanding debt of any mortgage on the property and must navigate through the legal and criminal justice systems.

“Unfortunately, there is no tool that will prevent property fraud completely, but Fraud Notify will help equip Kent County property owners with information they need in order to be aware if a theft has occurred, to respond quickly, and to seek justice,” Lyons said.

To learn more and subscribe to Kent County’s Fraud Notify, visit accesskent.com/fraudnotify.