Recently, we have seen a significant increase in deed fraud in Southwest Florida. Deed, or title fraud, is the transfer and recording of a real estate deed without the knowledge or consent of the property owner. Criminals often target vacant or vacation properties. These criminals fraudulently “sell” the property to unsuspecting buyers and pocket the money. The costs to undo a fraudulent deed can be high.
If you become aware you or a family member are a victim of deed fraud, you must immediately contact your local sheriff’s office and the FBI. Legal counsel can help you to void a fraudulent deed and correct the public record. Your attorney can file the appropriate documents in the public records, alert innocent parties to the fraudulent transactions and file a lawsuit to clear the title record if necessary.
Although it is difficult to avoid becoming a victim of deed fraud, it is extremely important to catch it as soon as possible.