The "New" Identity Theft

As if stealing your personal information to access your bank accounts or open credit in your name isn’t enough to worry about, there’s another form of identity theft taking hold. Deed theft is a type of identity theft that targets your residence, second home or other property.

How It Happens

Thieves target a potential property — often a vacation home, second home or vacant property. Criminals forge the owner’s signature on the deed and sell the home to themselves or a third party. They then use personal information found on the Internet to assume your identity or to represent you when they record the deed with the county.

They’re Not Moving In

Once thieves have the deed to your property, they can:

• Sell your home and keep the profit


• Refinance the mortgage to cash out equity


• Open a home equity line of credit


• Illegally rent out unoccupied property

Protect Yourself

You can take steps to protect yourself and your property from deed theft.

• Monitor your credit reports for loans you didn’t take out or for other suspicious activity.


• Check for liens against your property from contractors, subcontractors or attorneys.


• Visit vacant homes periodically to make sure no one is living in them.


• Have your mail forwarded, kept at the post office or picked up by someone when you’re away from home.


• Pay close attention to mortgage, tax, water and other home-related bills.


• Check your county recorder’s office or local registry online for land records and property deeds. You may be able to set up notifications at the registry to alert you to changes.

If Something Is Amiss

Notify the register of deeds as well as law enforcement if you find evidence of deed theft or other criminal activity. Obtain a certified copy of the fraudulent document and consult an attorney.