Real estate transactions involve some of the most significant financial decisions people make in their lives. Unfortunately, where large sums of money are involved, fraud often follows. Real estate fraud can take many forms — title fraud, wire transfer scams, identity theft and mortgage fraud, among others.

Title fraud occurs when a criminal forges documents to transfer ownership of a property into their name, allowing them to take out loans or sell the property without the true owner’s knowledge.

Wire fraud has become increasingly common in the digital age, where scammers intercept legitimate communications between buyers, sellers and title companies to redirect funds into fraudulent accounts.

With real estate processes moving online — digital signatures, remote closings and online escrow — the opportunities for bad actors have multiplied. Even sophisticated buyers and agents can be deceived by convincing phishing emails or cloned websites. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, real estate and rental fraud losses have increased significantly year over year.

Modern real estate monitoring systems have become essential tools in detecting and preventing fraudulent activity before it causes damage. These systems use a combination of technology and human oversight to:

• Monitor title changes: Automated title alert systems notify property owners if any changes are recorded against their property.
• Verify transaction integrity: Secure communication platforms and encrypted document exchanges reduce the risk of email interception.
• Authenticate identities: Multi-factor authentication ensures only authorized individuals can access sensitive transaction data.
• Track financial transfers: Fraud detection algorithms flag suspicious payment patterns and unusual transfer destinations.

Some counties and private companies now offer property fraud alert services that enable owners to register their property and receive notifications about new filings under their name. These systems act as early warning mechanisms to stop fraudulent activity before it leads to financial loss or legal complications.

In Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, landowners can sign up for these types of notifications directly through the recorder’s website. With this free service, property owners can receive alerts if any documents are recorded under their name, helping detect potential fraud quickly. Enrolling in this notification system is strongly recommended as an additional safeguard against real estate and title fraud.

In addition to these free county-level services, homeowners can also consider Home Title Lock, a paid subscription-based monitoring tool that offers nationwide coverage. Home Title Lock continuously scans property and title records for unauthorized activity, notifying the homeowner of potential fraud and providing support if fraudulent filings occur.

While local county alert systems are an excellent first line of defense, paid services like Home Title Lock may offer additional monitoring and convenience for those seeking more comprehensive protection.

Lawyers also play a vital role in preventing and addressing real estate fraud. They can:

1. Educate clients about the risks of email compromise and identity theft.
2. Verify all parties in a transaction independently and never rely solely on email communication.
3. Recommend fraud monitoring tools to clients after closing to protect property titles.
4. Act quickly if fraud is suspected and report to local law enforcement, financial institutions and title insurers immediately.

In an age where real estate transactions are faster and more digital than ever, vigilance and technology must go hand in hand.

Real estate monitoring systems, whether free county programs or paid services, provide peace of mind and an added layer of protection against fraud. Still, awareness and sound legal guidance remain the strongest defenses for homeowners and investors alike.

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Shawna L. L’Italien, a lawyer in the Salem office of Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, focuses her practice on real estate, commercial and business transactions, as well as estate, probate and elder law matters. She can be reached at (330) 337-6586 or at slitalien@hhmlaw.com.