New alert system warns property owners of real estate fraud
Fairfax County property owners can now receive alerts whenever any documents are filed in connection with their real estate records.
The Fairfax Circuit Court Property Alert Notification System was launched Oct. 9 by the Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in collaboration with the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration and the Department of Information Technology.
The free e-alert service is available through MyFairfax for Fairfax County and City of Fairfax property owners. To set up an alert, follow these instructions.
The alerts are designed to help property owners stay informed and receive an email alert if any documents are filed with the court’s Land Records Division matching the property owner’s name.
Through a timely alert, the system provides early detection of potential fraud, including unauthorized deed filings, transfers, or other suspicious activity involving real property records.
Related story: Homebuilder gets 12-year sentence for fraud
“The Property Alert Notification System is an important new tool to help safeguard our residents’ most valuable assets,” said Clerk of the Court Chris Falcon. “By giving property owners free and rapid notice of any filings recorded on their property, we are strengthening transparency, as well as safety and security for our residents.”
“We have seen cases of property fraud where bad actors presented fraudulent documents to convey real estate in Fairfax County,” said Rafael Arancibia Jr., public information officer for the Circuit Court. “Some owners have even found their properties listed for sale online.”
“Seller impersonation is used to fool purchasers, notaries, real estate agents, and title agents,” Arancibia said.
A report by the Virginia Housing Deed Fraud Technical Advisory Group found that fraud most commonly involves vacant land and homes that are not regularly occupied, such as second homes and vacation homes.
Hmm. And I thought the TV commercials were themselves bogus. Guess not.
OMG – this is so awesome – I’ll give FF credit for this gem….I check my property tax records monthly to make sure I still own my own property! Give credit where credit is due –
This is half backwards effort, so 2000s. They should allow a lock (like you can with your credit report at each agency, you can even lock your SSN with the SSA). Then only the owner (or a courts if ordered) could make action on your titled property.
Ken – agree – somewhat – mortgage holders that need to foreclose are not going to ask your permission- and when a mortgage or other lien is paid off, those notices need to be filed –
Good point. It’s still requiring homeowners to do the work to ensure the security of the county dbase. Instead of my tax dollar paying for “free” electric bikes (mentioned in another article) how about using it to secure my data?
But let’s also give kudos to Annandale Today. Where else would we find out about this “service”? Did the county send us a letter? Not to my house. First I’ve heard of it.