Imagine someone forging your name on a deed, filing it with the county, and suddenly you don’t legally own your own home anymore.
It sounds crazy, but it happens—and by the time most people find out, they’re already dealing with debt collectors or foreclosure threats.
The good news? You can protect yourself.
Your home is your most valuable asset—and you probably think the only way someone could steal it is by breaking in. The truth is, home title theft can happen without anyone ever stepping foot on your property.
At Security American Title, we’ve seen firsthand how fraudsters exploit property records. While it’s not an everyday occurrence, when it happens it can turn into a financial and legal mess if you don’t catch it early.
What Is Home Title Theft?
Home title theft (also called deed fraud) happens when someone forges your name on property documents and files them with the county recorder. Once they’ve faked ownership, they can:
Take out loans against your home.
Attempt to sell the property.
Use your house as collateral for fraudulent activity.
By the time most homeowners realize what’s going on, they’re already dealing with lenders, collectors, or even foreclosure notices.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Fraudsters tend to go after:
But anyone with their name on a deed is a potential target.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Property tax bills stop arriving.
You get notices from lenders about loans you never applied for.
A “For Sale” sign pops up at your home without your knowledge.
How to Protect Yourself
You can’t stop criminals from trying, but you can make it a lot harder for them to succeed:
Check Your Records – Review property records at your county recorder’s office regularly.
Monitor Your Credit – Catch loan or credit activity tied to your name before it spirals.
Sign Up for Alerts – Many counties offer free notifications if any document is filed against your property.
Order a Professional Title Search – A title search from a trusted company like Security American Title can confirm that your deed is clean and hasn’t been tampered with.
The Bottom Line
Home title theft isn’t something to panic about, but it is something to take seriously. Staying proactive and checking your records regularly is the best defense.
At Security American Title, we’ve been protecting property owners since 1997 by providing fast, accurate title searches nationwide. If you want peace of mind that your deed is safe, our team can deliver the clarity you need.
Contact us at neworders@securityamerican.com or visit securityamerican.com to order a search today.