Public records are more accessible than ever, and fraudsters are taking advantage. I’ll share tips to secure your title today.

Can someone really steal your house by forging your deed? It sounds unreal until it happens to you. One homeowner learned this the hard way when a foreclosure notice arrived for the very house they were still living in. Someone had forged their signature, filed a fake deed with the county, and tried to sell the property behind their back.

This is not fiction. Deed fraud is a real threat in 2025, and it’s happening more often than most people realize. Here is what it is, why it works, and what you can do to stay protected.

How deed fraud starts. Deed fraud begins when someone forges your name on a deed and files it with the local recorder’s office. The moment that a fraudulent deed is recorded, it can look legitimate to anyone who checks the public record.

From there, the scammer can attempt to sell the property or take out loans against it. The real owner often stays in the dark until a stranger claims ownership or legal papers show up at the door. Because everything appears correct on paper, the mess usually has to be untangled in court.

Why scammers can pull it off. Public records in many counties are online, making it easy for scammers to access property information. They can search for high-equity homes or vacant properties, download real documents, and create forged signatures using AI-generated handwriting.

“Deed fraud is a real threat in 2025, and it’s happening more often than most people realize.”

Once the forged deed is ready, they mail it in or file it electronically. After it records, the burden is on the true homeowner to fight the fraud. That is what makes this crime so damaging.

How can you protect yourself today? You have options to reduce your risk and catch problems early.

  • Sign up for property fraud alerts. Many county recorders offer free email alerts when a document is filed under your name. This is one of the quickest ways to get notified if something is wrong.
  • Use a title monitoring service. Services like Home Title Lock monitor your title for suspicious activity and notify you right away if anything changes.
  • Check your property records yourself. Most counties let you look up your deed online. A quick review can confirm no unexpected liens or transfers have been added.
  • Consider title insurance add-ons. Some policies now include fraud protection options for extra peace of mind.

Do not wait for something to feel off. Protecting your home means staying alert, checking your records, and using the tools available to you. Your title is more than paperwork. It is your home and your security.

If you want help reviewing your title or exploring your protection options, call or text me at (502) 376-5483, or email me at Bob@weselllouisville.com. You can also tune in to my radio show on 840 WHAS every Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., where we talk about real estate topics like deed fraud. I’m always happy to help you protect your home and stay informed.