How to Stop Deed Fraud Before It Starts

House Stealing in Ohio Is on the Rise

Imagine waking up to find your house ‘sold’ without knowing, not by a break-in but via fake paperwork submitted online to the county recorder’s office.

This scam, known as “house stealing” or deed fraud, is growing more common across Ohio.

In just the past two years, multiple Ohio counties have reported an increase in fraudulent quitclaim deed filings, fake transfers used to “sell” homes belonging to elderly residents, out-of-town landlords, and even deceased property owners. Once recorded, the fraudsters either resell the property to an unsuspecting buyer or borrow money against it before disappearing.

The Perfect Crime on Paper

Deed fraud occurs because property records are public, and Ohio law lets nearly anyone file a deed if it appears legitimate. County recorders check formatting, signatures, and notarization, but don’t verify signature authenticity.

A fake deed meeting all formal requirements can slip through and automatically update ownership records.

In Cleveland, investigators found a home “sold” 11 years after the owner died. A forged quitclaim deed transferred the property to a stranger, and by the time the family noticed, the scammer had already listed the house.

Quitclaim deeds facilitate scams by transferring any interest without guarantees, background checks, or warranties. Once recorded, reversing them needs lawyers, court filings, and months of cleanup.

Why Ohio Is Seeing More Deed Fraud

Ohio’s aging population, active housing market, and online property databases foster an environment ripe for fraud.

These schemes mainly target elderly homeowners, absentee landlords, and families with inherited properties who may not regularly check their public records.

In Montgomery County (Dayton), the Recorder’s Office has received over 90 deed-fraud complaints since 2023 and has recently introduced a “pre-check” system for quitclaim deeds. Staff now verify notary credentials and signatures before accepting deeds for recording.

Meanwhile, Franklin County and others have formed deed-fraud strike forces with prosecutors to identify patterns and prosecute offenders. Prevention still starts with the homeowner.

How to Keep Your Property Safe

Deed fraud often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, but a few simple steps can dramatically reduce your risk. Staying proactive is the best defense.

This is what we recommend every Ohio homeowner should do:

• Sign up for free title alerts. Most Ohio counties now offer a Property Alert System, a free online service notifying you when a document is filed under your name. Lucas County calls it “AlertMe,” Franklin County calls it “Property eAlerts,” and Cuyahoga County has a similar program. Enroll all name variations (with and without a middle initial) and act quickly if you receive an unexpected alert.
• Keep your mailing address current to avoid missing important notices. Ensure your local Auditor and Treasurer have your correct address, especially if the property is vacant or you’ve moved. Many owners also list a backup contact, like a trusted family member, to prevent missing mail.
• Beware of suspicious offers; scammers pose as owners or buyers with fake “For Sale by Owner” listings or purchase letters for unowned properties. Verify sender identity and use reputable title companies for transactions.
• Monitor vacant or inherited properties regularly; keep yards maintained, collect mail, and post contact info. A well-kept home deters deed thieves.
• Double-check notarizations; notaries are the first defense against forgeries. Each deed should show the notary’s commission number and expiration, verifiable on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. If issues arise, contact your County Recorder before recording.

What to Do If It Happens to You

A fake transfer allows scammers to resell the property repeatedly, complicating recovery. File a police report with your local sheriff or police, including any documents or alerts. Then, notify your County Recorder, Auditor, and Treasurer to flag the record while pursuing legal action.

You should also file an Identity Theft Affidavit with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. This creates an official record that you’re a fraud victim, which can help if banks or buyers later question your ownership.

Finally, seek advice from a qualified real estate or probate attorney with quiet title expertise. In Ohio, you can file a quiet title lawsuit to contest the fraudulent deed and restore ownership.

Furthermore, your attorney might file a lis pendens, which serves as a notice to prospective buyers that the title is contested, potentially blocking additional transfers until the case is resolved.

Beware of “Title Lock” Marketing

You’ve probably seen ads promising “title lock protection” for a monthly fee. These services monitor your name for new filings, but they can’t actually stop someone from recording a fake deed. In fact, many Ohio counties now provide the same alert systems for free.

Think of it like a smoke detector… Alerts are helpful, but they don’t put out the fire. Real protection comes from caution and legal action when something looks off.

Vigilance Beats Recovery

House stealing is a high-tech twist on an old crime. It doesn’t involve a crowbar, just a pen and a notary stamp. But for Ohio homeowners, it can be every bit as devastating.

You can take simple, concrete steps today to stop a thief before they “sell” your home out from under you.

If you notice suspicious filings, act promptly. While law enforcement and county officials can assist, a quiet title lawsuit might be necessary to regain ownership. At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, our real estate and probate lawyers have decades of experience in reversing fraudulent transfers and restoring rightful ownership.

Contact us for a confidential consultation.