The Kaufman County Clerk’s office is offering a new service they hope will prevent property fraud, an issue that is seemingly growing every day. Fraud Guard, the alert notification system, will be available for free through the County Clerk’s office. FBI.gov has Texas listed as one of the top 10 states for mortgage fraud.
The Kaufman County Clerk’s office is offering a new service they hope will prevent property fraud, an issue that is seemingly growing every day. Fraud Guard, the alert notification system, will be available for free through the County Clerk’s office. FBI.gov has Texas listed as one of the top 10 states for mortgage fraud.
Here’s how property fraud works according to a press release from the Clerk’s office, “These scam artists pick a house to steal, maybe a vacant or rental property. Then, by using forged signatures and notarizations, they create and file a fraudulent deed that transfers the property from the real homeowners to them. Next, they sell the property outright to some unsuspecting buyer or re-mortgage it and pocket the proceeds – and they are long gone before the homeowner is even aware of what has happened.”
Property owners can register for Fraud Guard online by visiting www.countygovernmentrecords.com or by calling the County Clerk’s Office at (972) 932-4331 ext. 1104. The alert system will send an email every time a document with the property owner’s name as a Grantor or Grantee on it is recorded at the County Clerk’s office.
“While we can’t prevent property fraud from happening, we can help stop it, in its tracks - by using the latest technology and automation available to provide the early warning notice that is needed,” states Laura Hughes, County Clerk.
