By Shae Rozzi, Fox23 News
Home title fraud happens when scammers file paperwork pretending to be you and transfer ownership of your home to their name or fake identity.
While there has been a greater crackdown on this type of crime, it can still happen and the Better Business Bureau shows how you can protect yourself.
Owning a home is part of the American Dream. Having your home title stolen can be a nightmare.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported more than 12,000 (12,386) real estate crome complaints in 2025 with losses totaling more than $275 million.
“Unfortunately, on this one, it can happen without even you knowing.” says Amie Mitchell, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Oklahoma. “Someone has taken your title, impersonated you, and changed the deed over to their name. And they may even take out a loan in your name, and then rack that up against the against the house. You may not even know until you start getting foreclosure letters on your home.”
Through the Tulsa County Clerk’s website, they have a link where you can sign up for free to get notifications if important paperwork is filed like a deed or lien involving your name.
- Vacant homes
- Empty lots
- Vulnerable owners (elderly, terminally ill, deceased)
If you think you’re a victim, report it right away to your local county clerk who should then help you report it to law enforcement.
In terms of protecting yourself, Amie with the BBB offers this advice:
“So we really recommend that at least once a year you go and check and make sure everything’s okay with your mortgage company. Everything’s okay on your credit report. Everything is free and clear, just to make sure you still own that house, the title is okay and you don’t need to take any steps to retroactively fix that. If you have the physical title, I would keep it in a fireproof lock box in your home. Keep it locked up, keep it in a safe place so that that way should there be an emergency, you still have access to it.” she says.
If you know when your bills are due, check your accounts regularly to make sure the direct payments are made. Scammers often change the address associated with your bank account or credit card so if bills don’t arrive on time, or an issue pops up, you need to follow up with that lender or creditor to make sure nothing has changed and your home and identity haven’t been stolen.
