Real estate fraud is escalating at an alarming rate. The FBI reports that from 2019 to 2023, over 58,000 victims lost $1.3 billion to real estate scams nationwide — with $396 million lost in 2024 alone. One of the most concerning forms of fraud is title piracy, also known as quit claim deed fraud or home title theft.

What Is Title Piracy?

Title pirates use forged documents — such as quit claim deeds, powers of attorney or fraudulent IDs — to falsely claim ownership of properties. Once they gain control of a title, they may:

• Sell the property
• Take out a mortgage
• Rent it out
• Live in it temporarily

These scams often go undetected until after the fraudulent sale is recorded and the money has been wired.

Who’s Being Targeted?

Scammers frequently target:

• Vacant land and second homes
• Properties owned by elderly individuals
• Estates of deceased owners
• Investment properties held by LLCs or corporations

In one case in Broward County, Florida, fraudsters used forged documents to claim ownership of 44 homes, many belonging to deceased individuals.

Why Is This Happening More Often?

The shift to remote closings and notarizations post-COVID has made it easier for scammers to operate undetected. The convenience of digital transactions has inadvertently created vulnerabilities that bad actors exploit.

Ways to Protect Yourself

• Monitor property records regularly
• Sign up for title alerts with your county clerk’s office
• Use title insurance
• Secure vacant properties and inspect them periodically
• Be cautious with personal information online, encourage in-person closings and in-person identity verification along with certified letters for correspondence
• Watch for signs like missing tax bills or unexpected utility charges

If You Suspect Title Fraud

• Contact a real estate attorney immediately
• File a claim with your title insurance provider
• Notify your county clerk’s office
• Report the fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov

Other Scams to Watch For

Wire diversion scams are also on the rise. Always verify wire instructions by phone before transferring funds during a closing. The FBI can often intervene within the first 72 hours to stop wire transfers and recover funds.