Someone filed a fake deed on your house: what to do
In deed fraud, scammers forge a deed to “transfer” a property, then try to sell or borrow against it. Vacant land, rentals, homes with no mortgage, and older or out-of-town owners are common targets. Watch for missing mail or tax bills and notices about sales or loans you didn’t make. Sign up for your county’s free property fraud alert. If it happens, get the record, file a police report, and call your title insurer and lender. A real estate lawyer can clear your title.
Your checklist
- Know who’s often targeted
- Watch for missing mail and odd notices
- Sign up for the county’s free alert
- Act fast: recorder, police, title insurer
- Have a lawyer clear the title
- Be careful with paid “title lock” ads
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
How it works
A scammer forges your signature on a deed, files it with the county, and then tries to sell the property, rent it out, or take out a loan against it.
Who’s often targeted
Vacant land, empty or rental homes, homes without a mortgage, and owners who are older or live elsewhere.
Warning signs
- Your mail, property tax bills or insurance notices stop.
- Utilities are changed or shut off.
- You get notices about a sale, loan or foreclosure you don’t recognize.
- A real estate listing or sign appears on your property.
Prevent it
- Sign up for your county recorder’s free property fraud alert, if offered; it notifies you when documents are filed in your name.
- Check your property records online from time to time.
- Keep an eye on vacant property.
If it happens
1. Get a copy of the fake document from the county recorder. 2. File a police report; report online fraud to the FBI’s IC3. 3. Contact your title insurance company and your mortgage lender. 4. Talk to a real estate lawyer about a quiet title action or other steps to cancel the fake deed.
Paid “title lock” services
These often only monitor records and can’t stop a forged filing. Your county’s free alert may provide similar notice.
Official sources, and where to look
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)ic3.gov
- FTC consumer advice: home title scamsconsumer.ftc.gov
[your county] recorder property fraud alert[your county] property records search
Common questions
Can someone really steal my house with a fake deed?
They can file fake paperwork, but you remain the true owner. Fixing it can take time and legal help, so act fast. More ›
Does title insurance cover deed fraud?
An owner’s title policy may cover certain fraud and legal costs. Check your policy and call the insurer. More ›
What is deed fraud?
When someone forges a deed to falsely transfer a property, often to sell it or borrow against it. More ›
How do I know if someone filed a fake deed on my house?
Check your county’s property records, sign up for a fraud alert, and watch for missing tax bills or notices about loans or sales you didn’t make. More ›
What is a property fraud alert?
A free service many county recorders offer that notifies you when a document is recorded in your name. More ›
What is a quiet title action?
A lawsuit asking a court to confirm who owns a property and cancel false claims, like a forged deed. More ›
Know someone who needs this?
Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.