- Dennis Norman
No,I did not make a typo in the title to this post…
Yes,people do in fact STEAL HOUSES…
No,I am not referring to buying them cheap…
What I’m referring to is a relatively new type of fraud scheme where the con-artist combines identity theft and mortgage fraud and creates a nightmare for innocent homeowners.
According to the FBI,here is how the scheme typically works:
The con artists start by picking out a house to steal—say,YOURS.
… Next,they assume your identity—getting a hold of your name and personal information (easy enough to do off the Internet) and using that to create fake IDs,social security cards,etc.
… Then,they go to an office supply store and purchase forms that transfer property.
… After forging your signature and using the fake IDs,they file these deeds with the proper authorities,and lo and behold,your house is now THEIRS.
Fortunately there is a free service available to homeowners to help fight this type of scheme. FirstAmerican CoreLogic,a source of much of the real estate data I write about,today announced their new service called ePropertyWatchwhich is a free service to homeowners which,after a homeowner registers on the site (for free),will notify the homeowner when there are public record filings on their property (such as a deed of trust,deed to convery ownership,etc).
In addition to monitoring the public records on the lookout for fraudulent activity,the service also provides the homeowner with information on the value of their home,homes for sale in their neighborhood,foreclosure activity in their neighborhood and more. I signed up for the service this morning to test it and like it. Related posts:
- New US Gov Program:Lower interest rate on your second deed of trust to 1%…protect the equity in your home
- Ten Tips to Avoid Identity Theft When You Move
- Three in New Jersey Arrested and Charged in Foreclosure Rescue Scheme
- New alternative for some homeowners facing foreclosure;Deed for Lease
- Four Charged with Running $13 Million Loan Fraud Scheme
