As your trusted wealth planning team at Total Wealth Planning, we’re committed to safeguarding your financial future. That’s why we’re sharing insights on deed fraud—a growing threat to property ownership—along with steps to protect your assets. We also want to give credit to TechneTitle for the majority of the research in this blog entry. TechneTitle serves Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as property transfer and fraud prevention experts.
Why This Matters to Your Wealth Plan
Property is a cornerstone of financial security and generational wealth. Deed fraud—where criminals forge documents or steal identities to transfer titles—can lead to legal battles, financial loss, or disrupted estate plans.
How It Happens
Fraudsters target vacant homes, rentals, or properties owned by seniors, assuming owners won’t notice. Warning signs include unexpected lender notices, unfamiliar mail, or unauthorized deed changes in county records.
These fraudulent actions can lead to serious legal battles, financial loss, and even eviction for unsuspecting property owners.
Warning Signs of Deed Fraud:
- Unexpected notices from your mortgage lender
- Bills or mail addressed to someone else at your property
- County records showing a deed transfer you didn’t authorize
If any of these occur, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage.
How to Protect Your Property
The best way to safeguard your property rights is to stay informed and take preventative measures.
- Enroll in Free Fraud Alerts. Many counties offer free notification services that alert homeowners when documents are filed in their name.
- Hamilton County, Ohio = (https://hrs.iharriscomputer.com/HamiltonRecordsNotification/Subscribe)
- Butler County, Ohio = (https://recorder.bcohio.gov/property_alert/index.php)
- Many other Ohio and Kentucky counties https://www.technetitle.com/title-fraud-alert-signup
- Marion County, Indiana = https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/INMARION
- Hamilton County, Indiana = https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1654/Doxpop-Property-Watch
- Boone County, Indiana (and any other) = https://watch.doxpop.com/property/
- Having trouble finding your county? Contact your associate advisor for help.
- Monitor Records: Check deeds and statements regularly.
- Secure Documents: Keep property-related paperwork in a safe place and never share personal details with unverified sources.
Raising Awareness & Taking Action
Deed fraud isn’t just about financial loss—it’s a violation of property rights that affects individuals, families, and communities. By spreading awareness and taking preventive steps, we can help protect property owners from falling victim to this growing crime.
Help spread awareness! Share this article with friends, family, and neighbors to keep our communities safe from deed fraud. Together, we can safeguard our rights and property!
Let Us Help You Stay Protected
At Total Wealth Planning, we go beyond investments to safeguard your entire financial picture. Contact us at info@twpteam.com to review your financial plan to ensure we close blind spots and discuss fraud prevention.
About the author
Rob Siegmann is a partner and chief operating officer of Total Wealth Planning, a fee-only fiduciary financial planning firm in Cincinnati (Blue Ash), Ohio. He is often quoted in industry publications such as The Cincinnati Business Courier, Wall Street Journal, Yahoo finance, Financial Planning Magazine, Cincinnati Enquirer as well as others. Rob is grateful to serve others, including his team of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioners and the clients they serve, so they can live their greatest life through well informed and prudent financial decisions. Rob can be reached at rsiegmann@twpteam.com.
