House title theft is a type of crime in which the legal right to a property, such as your home, is stolen. It can occur when someone takes your identity and falsely obtains ownership of your property. It's a rising issue that can have disastrous consequences for homeowners and their financial well-being.

Criminals victimize abandoned properties, such as vacation houses, especially if the legal owner is no longer alive. In certain circumstances, the scammer will live in the home. However, it is more common for them to rent or sell it and pocket the proceeds illegally.

How Does A Title Thief Happen?

The act of stealing a home's title from its rightful owners is known as home title theft. It may happen in various ways, but it is typically the result of someone accessing your personal information or property.

Title thieves alter the title information on your property by using forged documents. They can even impersonate and record a deed at the county clerk's office.

Thieves can also obtain copies of your recorded papers from the county clerk's office and use them in various ways to perpetrate fraud. They may sell or refinance your home and pocket the proceeds. They could drain funds from your account by passing off their name as yours on mortgage payments or other bills.

To ensure that you won't be a victim of title theft, you have to ensure that the property you purchase has legitimate documents. You can also find mortgage companies with a loan with a minimal initial payment to ensure you are not buying from a home title thief transaction.

Warning Signs Of Home Title Theft

1. If You Are Receiving Unpaid Bills

If you've been receiving unpaid bills or if they've stopped coming altogether, it could be a sign that someone has taken over the title to your home.

2. Notice Of Foreclosure

If you receive a foreclosure notice, it can mean someone has taken out a mortgage on your home without your knowledge. It might be another indication of house title theft.

Experts always recommend getting insurance for your properties. It could help secure your investments against fraud, theft, and other factors that could harm your property.

How To Avoid Home Title Theft

Keeping track of property documents, bills, and incoming mail helps lessen the likelihood of being targeted for this crime. In addition, examining your county records and personal credit history periodically can help protect you from identity theft overall. You can request a written copy of your credit report once each year.

The best type of Home title theft protection is to ensure your identity is safe and secure from criminals. Regrettably, as more activities shift online, there's a bigger chance that sensitive information might be stolen by fraudulent people and used to produce fraudulent documents. 

Due to the volume of recent data breaches, your information might even be available to hackers on the Dark Web.

Older people are common targets because they know little about online dangers and risks. It is always essential that the younger generation ensure that senior citizens can access the internet safely.

The Bottom Line

While house title theft is frightening, it is rare. Try to maintain a tight track of your bills, property taxes, credit, and other personal information. This way, you’ll be less likely to be fooled by this real estate scam. Always make sure to acquire insurance for your properties. It may be costly, but it helps protect your investments.

In addition, immediately register a report with the Federal Trade Commission. This government agency can assist you in reporting and overcoming identity theft and presenting you with a plan of action.