Deed fraud, also known as home title fraud, title theft, or house stealing, is when someone illegally transfers and records a real estate title without the legal owner's knowledge or permission. It's like a sneaky game where bad guys pretend to own your house or land. They might try to "sell" it to innocent people or borrow money against it using fake signatures. They usually target empty land or vacant homes because the real owners aren't around to notice.

These tricksters often want the deal to be done remotely, so they don't have to show their face at the title company. They might team up with a dishonest notary, fool a notary with a fake ID, or even fake a notary's seal and signature to make the documents look real. Many times, the real owner doesn't even find out about the fraud until they try to sell or refinance their property, and the title search shows the fake documents.

**Preventive Measures:**

1. **Check Your Property Records Regularly:** Make it a habit to periodically check your property records at the local county recorder's office or online to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.

2. **Sign Up for Fraud Alerts:** Some counties offer alert services that notify you if any documents are filed against your property. Take advantage of these services if available.

3. **Protect Your Personal Information:** Be careful about sharing personal information that could be used to steal your identity. Shred sensitive documents and use secure passwords.

4. **Use a Title Insurance Company:** When buying property, use a reputable title insurance company to help verify the legitimacy of the transaction.

5. **Consult Professionals:** If you're unsure about any real estate transaction, consult with a real estate attorney or other professionals who can help identify potential fraud.

By staying vigilant and taking these steps, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of deed fraud.