Title Theft
Protecting Your Property from Title Theft
You may have seen commercials on TV warning about home title theft, a growing concern for homeowners. Unfortunately, this type of fraud is real and can have devastating consequences. Criminals can forge documents to transfer ownership of your property into their name, potentially using it to take out loans or even sell your home without your knowledge.
Interestingly, Michigan has had laws in place to combat this crime since 1883. The state recognized early on the importance of protecting property owners from fraudulent title transfers. According to Michigan law, offenders can “be punished by imprisonment in the state prison at hard labor.” However, as title theft has become more sophisticated over time, lawmakers saw the need to strengthen these penalties. Towards the end of last year, Michigan revised this law, increasing the length of imprisonment for those convicted of title fraud.
How to Protect Yourself
With the rise of digital records and online transactions, title theft has become easier for criminals to commit. Homeowners, especially those who own their properties outright or have rental or vacation homes, are at a higher risk. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard your property:
  • Monitor your property records – Regularly check with your local register of deeds to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.
  • Sign up for fraud alerts – Many counties offer free property fraud alerts that notify you if any documents are recorded under your name.
  • Consider title insurance – Some companies offer protection against fraudulent transfers and legal costs associated with reclaiming your property.
If title theft concerns you, you can take proactive steps today. Call 1-800-728-3858 or visit PropertyFraudAlert.com to sign up for free notifications when something is recorded that affects any of your properties.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can help protect your home and property from falling into the wrong hands.
some source credit from Bethany Warner, Warner Law Traverse City.