5 Tips to Help Protect Yourself from Title Scams
Title scams are on the rise—and they can be devastating for homeowners. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve owned your home for years, it's essential to protect your property from fraud. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to safeguard your investment and your identity.
Here are five practical tips to help protect yourself from title scams:
1. Protect Your Identity—Especially Online
Your online security is your first line of defense. Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, especially those related to finances or homeownership. Change them regularly and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. This extra layer of security can make a huge difference in keeping scammers out of your personal information.
2. Keep Track of Important Documents
Secure storage is key. Make sure all your important homeownership documents—like your deed, title policy, and closing paperwork—are kept in a safe place. Whether that's a locked file cabinet or a secure digital storage service, ensure access is limited and organized.
3. Check Your Credit Status
Sometimes, title fraud is discovered through suspicious activity on your credit report. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your report can help you spot red flags, like unauthorized credit inquiries or unfamiliar accounts.
4. Don’t Let Properties Go Unchecked
If you own property that is vacant or that you don’t visit often, make sure it’s being monitored. Either check in regularly yourself or hire a local property manager to do it for you. Also, stop all mail delivery to the vacant home to avoid tipping off potential scammers that the home is unoccupied.
5. Purchase Title Insurance
Title insurance is a must when buying a home. It protects you from any future claims or disputes over the ownership of your property. This one-time purchase at closing gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected against hidden liens, forged documents, or ownership claims.
Have Questions? Let’s Chat.
As your trusted REALTOR®, I'm here to help you navigate the home buying or selling process—and to protect your investment every step of the way. If you have questions about title insurance, safe homeownership practices, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.
