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4.2 million homes sold in the U.S. in 2025 — median price $400KNAR|Wire fraud losses hit $275.1M in 2025 — always verify wiring by phoneFBI IC3|Title searches reveal issues in 1 out of 3 residential transactionsALTA|FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule now in effect for 2026ALTA|Deepfake scams in real estate increased 40% year-over-yearEntrust 2026|Homebuyers have the right to choose their own title company under RESPACFPB|Closing Disclosure must be provided at least 3 business days before closingCFPB|Remote Online Notarization (RON) now available in the majority of U.S. statesALTA|6,000+ ALTA member companies protecting homebuyers across all 50 statesALTA|Recovery rate drops from 20% to under 5% after 48 hours — act fast on wire fraudFBI|Owner's title insurance: one-time fee at closing, lifetime coverage for you and your heirsALTA|Texas cuts title insurance premiums by 10% starting July 2025TDI|First American reports title revenue up 42% to $1.836 billionFirst American|New fraud and notarization laws affecting closings across multiple states in 2026Alliant National|Treasury Department explores title insurance consumer protection opportunitiesU.S. Treasury|HUD-approved housing counselors available free through CFPB locator toolCFPB|ALTA Best Practices framework adopted by thousands of member companiesALTA|Fannie Mae HomeView: free online homebuyer education course with certificateFannie Mae|NAR releases consumer guide on spotting deepfake scams in real estateNAR|Never wire money based solely on email instructions — always call to verifyFBI / ALTA|4.2 million homes sold in the U.S. in 2025 — median price $400KNAR|Wire fraud losses hit $275.1M in 2025 — always verify wiring by phoneFBI IC3|Title searches reveal issues in 1 out of 3 residential transactionsALTA|FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule now in effect for 2026ALTA|Deepfake scams in real estate increased 40% year-over-yearEntrust 2026|Homebuyers have the right to choose their own title company under RESPACFPB|Closing Disclosure must be provided at least 3 business days before closingCFPB|Remote Online Notarization (RON) now available in the majority of U.S. statesALTA|6,000+ ALTA member companies protecting homebuyers across all 50 statesALTA|Recovery rate drops from 20% to under 5% after 48 hours — act fast on wire fraudFBI|Owner's title insurance: one-time fee at closing, lifetime coverage for you and your heirsALTA|Texas cuts title insurance premiums by 10% starting July 2025TDI|First American reports title revenue up 42% to $1.836 billionFirst American|New fraud and notarization laws affecting closings across multiple states in 2026Alliant National|Treasury Department explores title insurance consumer protection opportunitiesU.S. Treasury|HUD-approved housing counselors available free through CFPB locator toolCFPB|ALTA Best Practices framework adopted by thousands of member companiesALTA|Fannie Mae HomeView: free online homebuyer education course with certificateFannie Mae|NAR releases consumer guide on spotting deepfake scams in real estateNAR|Never wire money based solely on email instructions — always call to verifyFBI / ALTA|
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Protect Your Home From Title Fraud

Title fraud — also known as deed fraud — is preventable. Free tools, county-specific alerts, and a step-by-step protection checklist. Most homeowners can set up free monitoring in about 10 minutes.

Protect Your Home From Title Fraud

Consumer Protection Guide

Title fraud — also known as title theft or deed fraud — is when someone forges your signature on a deed to steal your property. It's rare but serious. This guide helps you set up free monitoring, check your county's alert program, and build a personalized protection plan — all at no cost.

Title fraud — also called title theft or deed fraud — is a form of real estate identity theft. A criminal uses stolen personal information to forge a deed transferring your property to themselves or a shell company, then records it with the county recorder's office. Once recorded, the fraudulent deed sits in the public record until it is removed by court order.

Common targets include:

  • Vacant land and second homes
  • Rental and investment properties
  • Homes owned free and clear (no mortgage)
  • Properties of elderly or deceased owners
  • Homeowners with out-of-state mailing addresses

A forged deed is legally void, but untangling it typically requires a lawsuit, legal fees, and significant time. Early detection is the most effective defense.

Find Your County's Fraud Alert Program

Select your state and county to find the free property fraud alert program in your area.

First American Title

ALTA Member Spotlight

First American Title

Nation's leading provider of title insurance, settlement services, and risk solutions for real estate transactions.

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First American Title

ALTA Member Spotlight

First American Title

Nation's leading provider of title insurance, settlement services, and risk solutions for real estate transactions.

Learn More

My Title Fraud Protection Toolkit

Track your protection steps. Your progress is saved in your browser — nothing is sent to ALTA. Use the Export button to save a PDF or email yourself a copy.

Disclaimer

This page is provided for educational purposes by the American Land Title Association (ALTA). It does not constitute legal advice. ALTA does not issue title insurance policies or have access to policies issued. For policy inquiries, contact your settlement agent or title insurance company directly. County program information was verified as of the dates shown and may change. Always confirm details directly with your county recorder's office.

Related Topics

Deed Theft Overview

What it is, how it happens, and title lock vs title insurance

Protect Your Property Rights

How owner's title insurance shields you from title defects

Identity Protection

Protecting your personal information during a real estate transaction

First-Time Homebuyer? Start Here

Complete 5-phase roadmap with 27 expandable steps — from credit prep to closing day.

HomeClosing101 is supported by ALTA member companies

First American TitleFNF Family of CompaniesStewart TitleOld Republic National TitleWFG National Title

Note: ALTA does not issue title insurance policies or have access to policies issued. For policy inquiries, please contact your settlement agent or state insurance department directly.

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