Broward County Takes the Lead in Fighting Property Fraud

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office has emerged as a pivotal force in combating property fraud, a crime that has historically left victims with limited recourse. As property values in Florida surge, the need for vigilance against this type of deception has never been more urgent.

The Rise of Property Fraud

Marty Kiar, Broward County’s Property Appraiser and a former state Representative, emphasizes the alarming ease of committing property fraud in Florida. "It’s very easy for someone to file a fake deed on somebody’s property,” Kiar notes. This fraudulent activity typically preys on vulnerable groups, including heirs, minorities, and low-income individuals, often targeting vacant or distressed properties.

Victim Stories

In one notable case, a 91-year-old man nearly faced eviction from his home of 60 years due to fraudulent activity. The Broward County Property Appraiser’s proactive measures have, thus far, recovered over $1.5 million in stolen property assets.

Combatting Technology

To combat this troubling trend, Broward County established an alert system in March 2021. Property owners can sign up to receive notifications whenever a title transfer is filed for their property. This initiative, similar to the one begun in Palm Beach County in 2015, aims to deter fraudsters who typically exploit the lack of verification required during the filing process.

How Property Fraud Occurs

• Download a Quit Claim Deed: Fraudsters can easily obtain this form online.
• Forge Ownership: A scammer can sign as the legitimate property owner.
• Access Notary Services: Some notaries may ignore laws requiring the actual owner’s signature awareness.

The new alert system has already led to significant findings, revealing 60 fraudulent deeds and resulting in six arrests.

Partnerships for Prevention

Kiar faced skepticism from the Department of Revenue, which initially questioned the feasibility of a non-law enforcement agency tackling such fraud. However, a collaborative agreement with State Attorney Harold Pryor’s office has facilitated robust investigations, including the formation of a new Crimes Against Property Department.

Collaborative Efforts

• Investigated: 109 property fraud complaints.
• Arrests: Collaborations have led to multiple arrests, including two women who illegally accessed deceased individuals’ property records.

A Growing Concern

State Attorney Pryor has also committed resources to tackle property fraud, particularly targeting elderly victims and minority communities. “This type of crime has been increasing all over Florida, and we will not tolerate it in Broward County,” he stated.

Raising Awareness

Broward County is working to shift perceptions around property fraud. In the past, such crimes were often dismissed as civil matters. Kiar stated, “In the past decade, if someone called law enforcement about this, they would be told to consult an attorney instead of recognizing it as a serious crime.”

Tips for Homeowners

To protect yourself from property fraud, consider the following tips:

• Register for alerts about title changes through your local Property Appraiser’s Office.
• Verify ownership regularly, especially if you’re an heir or have inherited property.
• Educate yourself on the types of documents used in property transactions.

Conclusion

The proactive stance taken by Broward County in fighting property fraud serves as a model for other counties across Florida. As appraiser Marty Kiar works to raise awareness and stop these crimes, the collaboration between various local agencies offers hope for victims and long-term solutions to this growing issue.

For more information on property fraud prevention and available resources, visit the Broward County Property Appraiser’s website.