Recorder urges property owners to sign up for free fraud alerts after rise in title scams

The county recorder told the council she has seen an increasing number of attempted fraudulent filings involving property titles and urged property owners to sign up for a free property‑alert service that notifies owners when documents are recorded under their name.

Why it matters: Title and deed fraud can allow unauthorized transfers and sales. The recorder’s office said a free alert service — which sends an email or text when a document affecting a parcel is recorded — is available and that a paid commercial service can file a protective UCC‑style lien to make unauthorized transfers harder.

Recorder Jackie McFerrin said the office also runs a free fraud‑watch notification service and that the recorder’s website includes signup details. She said the local office has seen “a lot of these” cases, and that forged IDs and other sophisticated fraud methods are being used. The recorder suggested including information about the free service on tax bills and urged title companies to offer the signup service at closings.

Discussion vs. decision: This was an informational briefing and public‑safety recommendation; no policy changes or funding requests were adopted. The recorder said she will explore including alert information on the upcoming tax bill mailings.

Ending: Recorder staff asked county officials and title companies to spread word of the free alert service to protect landowners and reduce fraud.