Hillsborough County is experiencing a surge in property fraud, a sophisticated crime often involving forged deeds and titles. Authorities are urging homeowners to utilize a free fraud alert system offered by the Clerk of Court to protect their properties from this escalating white-collar crime.
Property Fraud: A Growing Threat
Property fraud, also known as deed or title theft, is a rapidly increasing white-collar crime across the United States. Scammers exploit legal documents like quitclaim deeds, which can transfer property ownership with minimal information and forged signatures. This crime can be committed with just a few pieces of paper, making it difficult to detect until significant damage has been done.
How Scammers Operate
Criminals often target vacant properties or those owned by individuals who are deceased or have health issues. They forge quitclaim deeds, sometimes even impersonating the rightful owners, and file them with the Clerk of Court. The process can be alarmingly inexpensive, costing as little as 70 cents in processing fees in some cases. Once ownership is fraudulently transferred, scammers may attempt to sell the property quickly, often to unsuspecting buyers.
Hillsborough County’s Defense: The Fraud Alert System
In response to the rising threat, the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller is actively promoting its free Property Fraud Alert System. This system allows homeowners to register their properties and receive notifications via email or phone call whenever a document is filed in the official records under their name. This proactive measure has already proven effective in catching fraudulent activity, as seen in recent arrests.
Key Takeaways:
- Property fraud involves forging documents like quitclaim deeds to steal home ownership.
- Scammers can exploit legal loopholes and forged signatures with minimal cost.
- The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court offers a free Fraud Alert System to notify homeowners of suspicious filings.
- Registering for the alert system is a crucial step in protecting property from fraud.
Recent Arrests Highlight the Problem
Recent arrests in Hillsborough County underscore the severity of the issue. A married couple, Victor Rodriguez and Michelle Cherry, were charged with property fraud after allegedly using forged quitclaim deeds to steal homes, including one belonging to the Bilby family. The Bilbys were alerted to the fraudulent activity through the county’s fraud alert system, which enabled law enforcement intervention. Cherry faces significant prison time for her alleged role in these crimes.
Protecting Your Property
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to sign up for the free Property Fraud Alert System. While new laws have strengthened safeguards, experts emphasize that vigilance and proactive measures are essential. Additional legislative action is also being called for to create more robust protections against this evolving criminal enterprise.
Sources
- Hillsborough County homeowners can sign up for property fraud alerts, WFLA.
- Florida couple allegedly swiped homes using shockingly easy scam that costs less than $1, New York Post.
- Hillsborough County property fraud alert system helped catch married couple accused of stealing home, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Own a home in Florida? Don’t want it stolen? There are safeguards, but more are needed, Florida Politics.
- 2 arrested in Bay Area property deed fraud scheme, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.