Hillsborough County is enhancing its defenses against property fraud following a series of alarming incidents. A recent case saw a woman admit to filing fake deeds to steal multiple homes, highlighting the vulnerability of property owners. Fortunately, a new property fraud alert system, mandated by state law, proved instrumental in thwarting these criminal activities, leading to arrests and the recovery of properties.
Key Takeaways
- A new property fraud alert system is helping Hillsborough County homeowners protect their properties from deed fraud.
- The system notifies registered owners within 48 hours of any document being recorded under their name.
- Recent arrests in property fraud cases demonstrate the effectiveness of these new safeguards.
- Despite advancements, experts suggest further legislative action is needed to fully combat this growing crime.
The Rise of Property Fraud in Hillsborough County
Property fraud, also known as deed fraud, involves the criminal practice of forging documents to steal another person’s home or real estate. This crime has seen a significant increase, with perpetrators using online information to forge signatures on deeds and file them with the Clerk of Court. In a notable case, Michelle Cherry pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraudulent use of personal information and organized fraud, admitting to filing fake deeds to steal several houses in Hillsborough County. Her crimes occurred around the time legislation was passed mandating property fraud alert systems across Florida.
How the Property Fraud Alert System Works
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court offers a free property fraud alert system designed to notify homeowners when documents are filed against their properties. This system, which requires a quick registration process, sends alerts via email, text, or phone call within 48 hours of any recorded document using the homeowner’s name. This proactive notification allows property owners to take swift action against fraudulent activity. In several recent cases, homeowners registered for the system and were alerted to fake quit claim deeds filed to transfer ownership of their properties, leading directly to the apprehension of the suspects.
Recent Successes and Ongoing Challenges
The effectiveness of the property fraud alert system was evident in the arrest of Michelle Cherry and her husband, Victor Rodriguez, who were accused of forging deeds. The Bilby family, whose home was targeted, received an alert from the system within two days of suspicious activity, enabling law enforcement to intervene. While the alert system has been successful, officials note that only a fraction of homes in the county are registered. Furthermore, a Hillsborough County judge recently ruled against MV Realty, a real estate company accused of swindling consumers through unconscionable Homeowner Benefit Agreements. This ruling underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and robust legal protections in real estate transactions.
Future Safeguards and Recommendations
While the implemented safeguards are proving beneficial, experts and officials emphasize that more legislative action is necessary to combat property fraud effectively. Quit claim deeds, for instance, require minimal information, making them susceptible to misuse. Recommendations include establishing a state-run network for realtors to report potential fraud targets and creating a system to mark properties as "not for sale." In the meantime, property owners are strongly encouraged to register for their local Clerk’s Office alerts, monitor their property’s online presence, and consult with real estate professionals.
Sources
- Woman admits to filing fake deeds to steal several Hillsborough County houses, WFLA.
- Hillsborough County property fraud alert system helped catch married couple accused of stealing home, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Hillsborough County judge rules against MV Realty, wtsp.com.
- Own a home in Florida? Don’t want it stolen? There are safeguards, but more are needed, Florida Politics.