Title fraud can be financially devastating for homeowners, says Fresno County Assessor-Recorder Paul Dictos about a scam sweeping the United States.

But a new program from the offices of Dictos and District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp is available to help protect property owners.

The Fresno County Property Owners Protection Alert warns owners about any changes to their property title, including liens, foreclosure, or deed documents. By alerting people about changes, they can catch potential fraud in an age when technology has made counterfeiting documents easier than it has ever been, said Dictos.

“A house is the only asset you have, and that house is your lifeline, that goes up in value all the time,” Dictos said. “You don’t’ want to lose that. You don’t want to have somebody come and put a mortgage on it, a deed of trust.”

Technology Has Made Fraud Much Easier

In 2023, the FBI tracked 9,521 complaints of cyber-related real estate and rental fraud crime, with losses totaling $145 million, according to Realtor.com.

Dictos said his own office caught two instances this year of attempted fraud.

Staff found the family member of a homeowner trying to file a fake document that could have taken the title from the rightful owner, Dictos said.

Since January 2022, the Fresno County DA’s Office has filed six cases of real estate fraud, according to public information officer Taylor Long. The office has closed two cases. Another 18 allegations are being investigated, she said.

With the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s become much easier to forge a notary stamp and signature. A fake title change or lien can be filed, and with all the documents in order, the recorder’s office has to file it.

Realtor.com reported about one elderly homeowner evicted from her house of 25 years after criminals forged foreclosure documents.

At the very least, fraudulent documents can make selling a home difficult when title companies have to make sure the property is clear to sell, Dictos said.

Resolving title disputes often requires lawsuits to establish true ownership, Realtor.com reported.

Dictos Wants Everyone Signing Up

Fresno County joins San Diego, Los Angeles, and Stanislaus counties in providing the alert service.

The program cost about $700,000 initially, with a $300,000 yearly maintenance fee, Dictos said. Funding for the program comes out of document fees.

Dictos said there are about 306,000 properties in Fresno County. Owners only need to provide a parcel number and an email address. The program is free.

Dictos said he wants to work with people who don’t have email addresses, though that is the best way to be contacted.

The assessor’s office is sending mailers to every property owner to let them know about the program.

Any activity or changes to the title or deed get sent to property owners.

“If there’s any activity, any documents to be filed, I’ll send you a message,” Dictos said.

In cases of suspected fraud, the DA’s Office has a unit dedicated to real estate crime.

“The FBI reports that title theft is one of the fastest growing cyber-crimes in America,” Dictos said. “I want to be a crime stopper to protect your property.”