Having your property flagged for potential fraud can be unsettling. In California, title fraud and deed-related schemes are a growing concern, and county recorders, lenders, or title companies may raise alerts when suspicious activity is detected. If this happens, it is important to respond quickly and follow a structured process. This guide outlines steps you can take to address the issue, protect your ownership rights, and reduce the risk of long-term complications tied to California real estate fraud.
Confirm the Source of the Alert
When you first receive notice that your property may be linked to fraudulent activity, confirm where the alert originated. Alerts can come from county recorders’ offices, title companies, mortgage lenders, or monitoring services. Carefully read the notice to verify what triggered the concern — this might be an unauthorized deed filing, suspicious lien, or unusual title transfer attempt.
Contact the issuing office or institution directly using official phone numbers or email addresses on their websites. Do not rely solely on information included in the alert itself, as scams sometimes mimic legitimate communications. By confirming the source, you can determine whether the flag is valid and what documentation you need to review.
Review Recorded Documents
The next step is to check property records at your county recorder’s office. Most counties in California allow online access to recorded deeds, liens, and other documents tied to your property. Look for any recent filings you do not recognize, such as quitclaim deeds, reconveyances, or liens you did not authorize.
If you spot documents that appear fraudulent, obtain certified copies immediately. These will be important when disputing the filing. Keep in mind that once a document is recorded, it becomes part of the public record—even if it is later found to be fraudulent. Acting quickly ensures you have the right evidence to present when you contest the issue.
Contact Your Title Company or Attorney
A title company or real estate attorney can guide you through the process of responding to fraudulent filings. Title professionals know how to review the chain of title and can advise you on whether fraud has compromised ownership. Attorneys can provide legal representation if you need to challenge documents in court.
If you have title insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible. Some policies cover losses connected to fraudulent deeds, but you must file a claim promptly. A qualified attorney or title officer will help you determine your options and prepare the paperwork to clear fraudulent claims.
Notify the County Recorder
After confirming that fraudulent documents may have been filed, notify the county recorder’s office in writing. Provide copies of the questionable documents and request that they place an alert or notation on the property record. While recorders generally cannot remove documents without a court order, they can acknowledge that a dispute exists.
Some California counties also offer property fraud alert systems that send notifications when new documents are recorded under your name or parcel number. Enrolling in these programs helps you stay updated on future activity, ensuring that additional fraud attempts are detected quickly.
File a Fraud Report
Report the fraudulent activity to local and state agencies. In California, you can file a complaint with the county district attorney’s real estate fraud unit, if available, or with the California Department of Real Estate. Filing a police report with your local law enforcement agency is also recommended, as it creates an official record of the fraud.
These reports can support your case if you need to take legal action. They also provide documentation that may be required by title insurers or lenders when disputing fraudulent filings. This step demonstrates that you are treating the issue seriously and pursuing official channels to resolve it.
Work With Your Lender if a Mortgage Is Involved
If the fraud involves a fraudulent refinance or new loan recorded against your property, notify your mortgage lender immediately. Provide them with copies of any suspicious documents and police reports you have filed. Lenders will investigate unauthorized activity tied to your property and can freeze fraudulent accounts or initiate their own claims.
Your cooperation with the lender helps protect your credit and prevents further complications. Mortgage-related fraud can affect both your property title and your financial record, so early involvement of your lender is critical.
Pursue Legal Action if Needed
In cases where fraudulent documents threaten your title, you may need to file a lawsuit, such as a quiet title action, to clear your ownership record. This type of case asks the court to declare you the rightful owner and remove fraudulent filings from the public record. Legal proceedings can be time-consuming, but they are often the only way to fully resolve California real estate fraud disputes.
Your attorney can also seek injunctions to stop further fraudulent activity and protect your rights during the process. While legal action is more formal and requires preparation, it provides the strongest resolution when fraudulent claims against your property cannot be resolved administratively.
Monitor Your Property Long-Term
Even after fraudulent documents are addressed, continue monitoring your property. Enroll in county fraud alert services, check records regularly, and keep your contact information current with the recorder’s office. Some owners also subscribe to third-party monitoring programs that track title activity across multiple jurisdictions.
Staying proactive reduces the risk of future problems. California real estate fraud often involves repeated attempts, and long-term monitoring ensures that any new activity is flagged quickly. You can maintain clear ownership and prevent additional disputes by combining legal action with ongoing oversight.
Secure Your Property with Confidence
Dealing with a potential fraud flag on your property in California can be stressful, but taking the right steps can help protect your investment. Remember to stay informed, consult with professionals, and act promptly to resolve any issues. For expert guidance and peace of mind, consider reaching out to the Consumer's Title Company. Their experienced team is ready to assist you in navigating these challenges and ensuring your property's security.
Contact them today to safeguard your real estate assets.
