PROPERTY FRAUD ALERT
Property and Mortgage Fraud are two of the fastest growing crimes in America. These crimes can be as simple as someone filing a fraudulent lien against your property or filing a fraudulent document to make it appear as though they own your property. The Miami County Recorder's Office offers Miami County residents a FREE notification service to help combat mortgage and deed fraud.
Sign up for Property Fraud Alert notifications today!
From the office of David E. Norman
Miami County Recorder
Dear Miami County Resident,
As the Miami County Recorder, I am committed to working with you to prevent individuals from attempting to commit Deed fraud against you and your property, I would like to let you know about a service the Miami County Recorder offers to all Miami County residents for free.
The Miami County Recorder’s Office has a free service to help combat Deed fraud known as Property Fraud Alert. This free service will send you a notification via email, text or voice mail in the event a document is recorded in your name in my office. Once you receive the notification a document with your name on it has been recorded, you can call 937-440-6040. We will let you know what document has been recorded with your name on it.
You can sign up for our free Property Fraud Alert notification by calling us at 937-440-6040, or visiting the website at www.propertyfraudalert.com . This service is free of charge and only takes a few minutes of your time to sign up.
In addition to Property Fraud Alert, the Miami County Recorder offers a service for our Miami County Veterans. Any honorably discharged veteran can bring their original DD-214 to the Recorder’s Office to have their discharge paperwork recorded for safe keeping at no charge. Any Veteran who has recorded their DD-214 with the Miami County Recorder is also eligible to obtain a State of Ohio Veteran’s ID card.
Property Fraud Alert, recording your DD-214 and obtaining your State of Ohio Veterans ID card are totally free of charge and only take a few moments of your time to sign up.
The Miami County Recorder’s Office is committed to maintaining accurate public records while operating within the law. If you have concerns about Deed Fraud, please contact our staff at 937-440-6040.
Sincerely,
David E. Norman
Miami County Recorder
DEED FRAUD: WHAT PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD KNOW
What is deed fraud? Deed fraud occurs when someone records a forged or false document that claims an interest in real property. This may involve forged signatures, false notarizations, or documents submitted by someone without legal authority.
Can someone steal my home just by filing a deed? No. Recording a document does not automatically transfer legal ownership of property. Property ownership is determined by law and, when disputed, by the courts. A fraudulent deed does not override the rights of a lawful property owner.
What is the role of the County Recorder? The Miami County Recorder’s Office records documents as required by state law. Recording is a ministerial function, meaning the Miami County Recorder does not investigate fraud, verify signatures, or determine the legal validity of documents or ownership claims.
What should I do if I believe fraud has occurred?
- Contact local law enforcement to report suspected fraud.
- Consult a real estate attorney – statute of limitations, rights, and remedies are all state specific.
- Notify your title insurance company, if applicable.
Are there tools to help me stay informed? The Miami County Recorder offers free Property Fraud Alert notifications to alert property owners when documents are recorded in our office with their name on a document. Please call 937-440-6040 or stop by our office located in the lobby of the Miami County Safety Building at 201 West Main Street, Troy, OH to sign up for our free Property Fraud Alert notification program. Property Fraud Alert provides awareness of potential Deed fraud but does not determine property ownership or prevent Deed fraud.
Can I prevent someone from recording a fraudulent document or block / lock my title? No. It is not possible to prevent someone from recording a fraudulent document. The Miami County Recorder cannot block or lock a deed or title. The Miami County Recorder’s Office is required by law to record documents that meet statutory requirements on their face value.
What about title insurance? Title insurance is a private insurance product that may provide coverage or legal defense for certain title issues, including fraud, depending on the policy coverage. The Miami County Recorder does not sell or endorse private insurance products.
