County clerk says free property fraud alert can help protect against 'house stealing'
May 13—Property fraud — also known as deed fraud or "house-stealing" — is a rapidly growing white-collar crime in the United States and Rockwall County Clerk Jennifer Fogg wants to remind citizens that they can help combat this scourge by signing up for Property Fraud Alert for free.
The PFA program notifies individuals via text message, email or phone call when something is filed under their name, allowing recipients to verify if the activity was initiated by them or by someone attempting to commit property fraud.
HousingWire — a news outlet that covers the latest trends and developments in the mortgage and real estate markets — reports that there has been a significant increase in the breadth and sophistication of fraud attempts targeting every aspect of the real estate industry.
From fake listings to advanced phishing schemes to wire fraud, the real estate industry is under attack.
Rockwall County officials also credit State Rep. Justin Holland for helping to successfully pass House Bill 1195 — also known as the 'Dirty Deeds' Law — during the 88th regular session.
The bill combats criminal deed fraud by granting county clerks the authority to request photo identification for the filing of property records.
Fogg said that since October of 2023, her office has seen fewer suspicious filings related to real property, adding that the passing of HB 1195 has assisted with two arrests and three felony indictments for two individuals who committed property fraud.
Fogg said she aims to address the issue of deed fraud at the next Texas legislative session by shoring up the integrity, education and records retention of in-person notaries public and looks forward to supporting a new House Bill to establish education requirements for appointment and reappointment as a notary public, a retention period for notary records and a criminal offense to penalize notaries complicit in deed fraud.
To safeguard against becoming a victim of property fraud, visit https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/TXRockwall.
