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Protecting Your Property: How to Guard Against Real Estate Document Fraud

     Property ownership is one of the most valuable investments a person can make. Unfortunately, it can also be a target for fraud. In recent years, forged real estate documents, such as fraudulent deeds or liens, have become a growing concern for homeowners. Criminals may attempt to file fraudulent paperwork with your county’s recorder or clerk of courts, putting your ownership rights at risk.

How could I be affected by forged documents?

A forged deed or lien can cloud your property’s title, create disputes over ownership, and even impact your ability to sell or refinance. Although these documents may ultimately be invalid, resolving the issue often requires legal action, costing time and money.

You may have seen the late-night infomercials about this very issue. They claim to sell insurance to protect your deed and right to your property. However, there are simpler and more cost-effective solutions to this issue.

Steps to Protect Yourself

There are several resources that you can utilize to protect your home.

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Check your local Clerk of Courts Website: Many counties now offer online access to recorded documents. Regularly searching your property’s records can help you quickly spot any unauthorized filings.

Sign Up for Property Alert Services: Many county recorder’s offices provide free monitoring tools that notify you if a document is filed against your property or if your name has been used in a filing. This allows you to act swiftly if suspicious activity occurs

Keep Your Contact Information Current: Make sure your mailing address with the tax assessor and clerk’s office is up to date so that you receive any official notices.

Work with a Trusted Attorney: If you discover a forged document, immediate legal assistance is essential to protect your ownership rights and clear your title.

Real estate fraud can happen to anyone, but taking proactive steps makes all the difference. By staying informed, using the clerk of courts’ online tools, and seeking legal guidance, when necessary, you can safeguard your property rights and reduce the risk of costly disputes. Protecting your home means protecting your future. Don’t wait until a problem arises to put these measures in place.

Meet Our Team

John Yonas

Managing Member Attorney
Jason Phillabaum
Managing Member Attorney
Megan Abbott
Associate Attorney
James Boyd
Associate Attorney
Hope Platzbecker
Associate Attorney
Connor Nelson
Associate Attorney
Gabriel Smith
Associate Attorney
Bryce Clayton
Associate Attorney
James Fantetti
Of Counsel
Douglas Linn
Of Counsel
Robert R. Hart, Jr.
Of Counsel, Retired
Grace Larkin
Paralegal to Jason Phillabaum
Julieanne Fischer
Executive Assistant to John Yonas
Keren Keys
Paralegal to James Boyd
Katherine Cornish
Paralegal to Hope Platzbecker
Isabel Parham
Paralegal to Megan Abbott & Connor Nelson
Celine Norris
Paralegal to Jason Phillabaum & the Traffic Division
Anna Mack
Paralegal to Jason Phillabaum & the Traffic Division
Frida Key
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Salem
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Further Reading

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Get A Free Consultation

Yonas and Phillabaum LLC provides legal services to real people, facing real world situations. Our legal team works diligently to educate and advocate on behalf of their clients.

Digitized public records expose homeowners’ names, addresses, and home values, creating privacy risks for public figures, professionals, and vulnerable individuals. The Esoteric Privacy Trust by Yonas & Phillabaum shields identities through a tailored revocable trust. Our attorneys help protect your fundamental right to privacy throughout the homeownership process.

contact us

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Consent
Flexible Payment Options: We understand that our clients cannot always pay in full at the time of services rendered, but everyone deserves quality attorney services. We will work with you to make affordable payment arrangements.

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