PLEASE BEWARE  

A growing scam  involves Deed Theft. Between 2019 & 2023 in MA 1,576 victims have lost over $46 million in property.
This scheme involves fraudsters who forge documents to record a phony transfer of property ownership. This is called “quit claim deed fraud” or “home title theft”

Most often this scam involves identity theft gleaned from the internet or elsewhere to assume real owner’s identity or claim they represent them to steal the property.

Scammers comb through public records and find vacant parcels
without a mortgage or lien, impersonate the owner, and asking agent to list the property;
• Family members, often elderly are targeted to transfer property into others names
• Fraudsters known as “title pirates” use fraudulent or forged deeds
and other documents to convey the property;
This  scam is often undetected until after money has been wired and fraudulent sale recorded. Homeowners are forced to go to court to reclaim their own property!!

WHAT TO DO: 

• Set up a title alert. This is free through the Mass Registries of Deeds for your county
• Call the FBI if you suspect fraud or activity involving your deed
• Stay vigilent, contact neighbors, monitor your land and property
• Monitor your identity and use a service to report unusual activity on your accounts