A home title is the most important legal document for owning a house. It is physical evidence of ownership of land, apartment, house, or other real estate. A title document includes information about the property, from boundaries to ownership history. One has to produce this document to rent out, issue a mortgage loan, or sell the property. But title theft is a real concern, and here are some ways to protect oneself from it.

Can a home title be stolen?
Yes, a title document can be stolen and misused. Home title theft may not always involve the physical theft of a paper document, but it can involve fraudulent actions that result in a theft of one’s rights related to the said property. Some common ways this is done include impersonating legal entities, breaching data, intercepting personal emails, hacking records and public Wi-Fi, and more.

How can a home title be misused?
The title deed is recorded in the local government’s land records or registrar’s office. A scammer may manipulate the record and use it to undertake property-related transactions. These transactions include registering a fake deed, selling or renting the property without the owner’s consent or knowledge, or obtaining mortgages. If left unreported or ignored, the valid property owner may face financial losses and be stuck with the burden of proving their ownership, which can quickly become a lengthy and costly legal process.

11 ways to protect oneself from home title theft
Here are some steps to safeguard against home title theft:

Regularly check the property title
Obtaining a copy of one’s property’s title from one’s local county recorder’s office or through an online service is advisable. One should review it for accuracy and ensure no unauthorized changes or transfers have occurred.

Title insurance
One of the best ways to secure one’s home title is to purchase insurance from a legitimate title company. This insurance policy can protect one in case of title fraud or other issues related to one’s property’s title. Title insurance can cover legal fees and any financial loss from fraudulent title transfers. There are two types of title insurance:

• One for the buyer of a property called “owner’s title insurance.”
• One for the property seller, called “lender’s title insurance.”

Secure personal information
Be cautious about sharing personal information, including driver’s license number, Social Security Number, and sensitive documents related to one’s property, with anyone unless trustworthy or verified. Not all those who pose as government officials may be legitimate.

Creating strong passwords and security measures
One should protect one’s online accounts and financial information with strong, unique passwords. One can use two-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer of security and be wary of phishing emails or suspicious online links.

Regularly monitor credit
It’s essential to regularly check one’s credit reports for any unusual or unauthorized activity. If one notices anything suspicious, it’s essential to investigate and report it immediately.

Be wary of unsolicited offers
Do not entertain unsolicited offers or requests for personal and financial information, especially via phone, email, or any other medium. Scammers may attempt to gain access to one’s property title information.

Avoid sharing personal information on social media
Scammers can use personal information from social media profiles to piece together one’s identity and steal the property title.

Shred old documents before discarding
Many scammers often engage in dumpster diving, which means they look for discarded letters and documents containing sensitive information in trash cans. So, one should always shred documents before disposing of them so the information cannot be pieced together and misused later.

Keep home records secure
One should store important property-related documents, such as the property title, in a secure place like a locked safe or a bank safety deposit box.

Be wary of loan modification promises
Scammers may sometimes target struggling homeowners on the brink of foreclosure and call them with promises to modify their loan for an upfront fee. Be wary of such claims.

Stay informed
Many government agencies and consumer protection organizations provide information and resources to help recognize and avoid fraud. So, staying informed about the latest scams and new fraud tactics can safeguard one from potentially falling prey to title theft.

How do you know if the home title is stolen?
Here are some signs that can indicate one has been a victim of home title theft:

• Getting unexpected bills on vacant property
• Some items missing in one’s credit report
• Receiving calls from lenders when one hasn’t reached out to any
• Noticing movements or changes in one’s vacant property
• Sudden hikes in one’s utility bills.

Immediate steps to take if the home title is stolen
Any suspicious activity related to one’s real estate title should prompt one to take the following steps:

• Contact local police department: The individual should report the theft to their local police department, providing all available details.
• Notify the recorder’s office: Contacting the local recorder’s office to report the title theft and request an investigation is essential.
• Notify the creditors: One should inform one about the potential theft to one’s mortgage lender, creditors, or any other financial institution associated with the property.
• Hire an attorney: Consulting with a real estate attorney is advisable to protect their interests and navigate legal actions.
• Check and freeze credit: The person should monitor their credit for fraudulent activity and consider freezing their credit to prevent further fraud. A credit freeze can be done through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These credit bureaus can be contacted through online forms, mail, or phone. This step prevents all unauthorized access to one’s credit unless the freeze is lifted.
• Document everything: Keeping records of all communication, reports, and actions taken regarding the title theft is crucial as they can serve as legal documentation of one’s actions and interactions related to the title theft. They can also help track one’s progress related to the issue.