Protect Your Property: Free Deed Fraud Alerts for Homeowners

Protect Your Property: Free Deed Fraud Alerts for Homeowners

Deed and title fraud may be uncommon, but the consequences can be serious. Fortunately, Arizona and Pima County offer free services that can help homeowners identify suspicious activity involving their property.

We encourage Santa Catalina Estates homeowners to take a few minutes to register for these free alerts.

What Is Deed or Title Fraud?

Deed fraud occurs when someone uses forged documents, stolen personal information, or a false identity to claim ownership of property they don't own.

Criminals may attempt to transfer ownership, sell a property without the owner's knowledge, or use it to obtain a fraudulent loan.

Vacant lots, rental properties, second homes, and homes without mortgages can be particularly attractive targets because unauthorized activity may go unnoticed longer.

Sign Up for These Two Free Property Alerts

1. Arizona Early Real Estate Sales Alert System (ERAS)

The Arizona Department of Real Estate offers a free service that notifies property owners by email or text when a matching property is reported as part of a pending real estate sale.

You can register using your name, property address, or Assessor Parcel Number (APN).

Register here: https://earlyalert.azre.gov/

2. Pima County Recorder Fraud Notify

The Pima County Recorder's Office offers free email notifications whenever a document containing your registered name is recorded.

These alerts can help you identify potentially fraudulent deeds, liens, or other recorded documents.

Register here: https://recorder.pima.gov/FraudNotify

Additional Ways to Protect Your Property

  • Check your property records. Periodically verify that your ownership and mailing information is correct through the Pima County Assessor.

  • Watch for unexpected notices. Pay attention to unfamiliar documents involving property transfers, liens, loans, or mailing-address changes.

  • Protect your personal information. Be cautious of phishing emails, suspicious links, and requests for sensitive financial information.

The Pima County Assessor's Office has also implemented additional safeguards for mailing-address changes, including identity verification and notification to the previous address on record.

A Few Minutes for Added Peace of Mind

No alert system can completely prevent deed fraud, and not every transaction will trigger a notification. However, these free programs provide an additional layer of protection by helping homeowners identify suspicious activity sooner.

We encourage all Santa Catalina Estates property owners to sign up for both alert services. It's a simple, free step you can take to help protect one of your most valuable assets.

Callie Turnbull