For homeowners along the New Hampshire Seacoast, protecting your property is about more than maintenance and market value—it also means protecting your legal ownership.
A growing concern nationwide is title fraud, sometimes called deed theft or property fraud. While rare, it’s a serious crime that can create costly legal headaches if it occurs.
How do thieves steal your property? 
As Portsmouth, NH, real estate professionals, Jim Lee and Ann Cummings of RE/MAX Shoreline believe informed homeowners are better protected. Here’s what you should know about how title fraud works, who it targets, and the simple steps you can take to safeguard your property.
What Is Title Fraud?
Title fraud occurs when someone illegally transfers ownership of a property without the owner’s knowledge or permission.
This usually happens when a criminal:
- Forges the homeowner’s signature on a deed
- Uses fake identification
- Files fraudulent documents with the local registry of deeds
Once recorded, the fraudster may attempt to:
- Take out loans using the property as collateral
- Sell the property to an unsuspecting buyer
- Claim ownership of the home
If left undiscovered, this can create legal complications for the real owner—including foreclosure notices or disputes over ownership.
How Criminals Attempt to Steal Property
Modern technology has made it easier for criminals to create false identities and forged documents.
A common scenario involves a criminal:
- Creating a fake identity.
- Forging a homeowner’s signature on a quitclaim deed.
- Recording the document at the county registry of deeds.
After the fraudulent deed is recorded, the criminal may attempt to:
- Apply for mortgages against the property
- List the property for sale
- Rent it out or occupy it
These schemes typically target:
- Vacant properties
- Vacation homes
- Estate properties
- Homes without a mortgage
- Owners with strong credit histories
Real-World Example: The Graceland Fraud Case
A recent high-profile case involved Graceland, the famous Memphis home of Elvis Presley
Fraudsters created a fake $3.8 million loan allegedly taken out by Lisa Marie Presley and claimed the loan had defaulted. They then attempted to sell Graceland through foreclosure.
The scheme began unraveling when a foreclosure notice was published in a newspaper. Federal investigators eventually charged one of the perpetrators with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The case highlights how even high-profile properties can be targeted.
Is Title Fraud Actually Common?
Despite alarming headlines, the reality is that successfully stealing property through title fraud is very difficult.
Several safeguards protect property owners:
1. Forged Deeds Are Invalid
A forged deed does not legally transfer ownership.
2. Notarization Requirements
Recorded deeds must be notarized, meaning the signer must verify their identity with a licensed notary public.
In New Hampshire, remote notarization is possible, but the notary must still verify identity and be located within the state.
3. Real Estate Transaction Safeguards
Selling or mortgaging property involves many checks, including:
- Credit verification
- Income and employment documentation
- Tax return reviews
- Appraisals
- Title searches
- Title insurance
These layers make it extremely difficult for fraudsters to complete a transaction without being discovered.
Still, while rare, fraud can happen—which is why awareness is important.
Warning Signs of Potential Property Fraud
Homeowners should stay alert for unusual activity involving their property.
Possible warning signs include:
- You stop receiving property tax bills
- Mail arrives addressed to someone else at your property
- Unexpected notices from lenders or government agencies
- Someone is listing your property for sale without your knowledge
- A seller offering a vacant property far below market value
- A seller refusing phone or video communication
- Requests to use an unfamiliar remote notary
If something feels suspicious, it’s worth investigating.
How to Protect Your Property
The good news is that protecting your property is relatively simple.
Monitor Public Records
Periodically check your local registry of deeds for documents recorded under your name.
Keep Ownership Documents Safe
Store your deed, title insurance policy, and closing documents securely.
Verify Wiring Instructions
During real estate transactions, always confirm wiring instructions by phone to avoid wire fraud.
Purchase Owner’s Title Insurance
Title insurance protects homeowners against:
- Forged deeds
- Ownership disputes
- Title defects
Most lenders require it, but it also provides valuable protection for homeowners.
A Free Fraud Alert Service for New Hampshire Homeowners
If you own property in New Hampshire or Maine, there’s an easy way to monitor potential fraud.
Many registries of deeds offer free property fraud alert services that notify you if a document is recorded with your name.
For example, the Rockingham County Registry of Deeds provides a free alert system that emails you whenever a document containing your name is recorded.
This simple tool can provide early warning of suspicious activity.
Many commercial services advertise “title lock” protection for $20 or more per month, but these registry alerts often provide the same monitoring for free.
Why Working With Experienced REALTORS® Matters
Another important safeguard is working with knowledgeable professionals when buying or selling property.
Experienced REALTORS® help protect transactions by:
- Coordinating with trusted title and escrow companies
- Verifying seller identities
- Ensuring proper documentation
- Monitoring the closing process for irregularities
For buyers and sellers in Portsmouth, NH, and throughout the New Hampshire Seacoast, professional guidance helps reduce risks and ensure a smooth transaction.
What To Do If You Suspect Title Fraud
If you believe your property may be affected by title fraud, act quickly.
Steps to take include:
- Contact your local police department
- Report the incident to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Notify your county registry of deeds
- Contact your title insurance company
- Speak with a real estate attorney
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze
Acting early can limit damage and help resolve the issue faster.
Protecting Your Home on the New Hampshire Seacoast
While property fraud is rare, awareness is the best protection. Monitoring your property records, maintaining secure documentation, and working with experienced real estate professionals can help ensure your ownership remains protected.
If you have questions about buying or selling property in Portsmouth or anywhere along the New Hampshire Seacoast, Jim Lee and Ann Cummings of RE/MAX Shoreline are always happy to help.
You can also explore local market information, lifestyle insights, and the latest listings here:
https://www.newhampshiremainerealestate.com/
Or call/text us directly at 603-436-1221.
Ann Cummings & Jim Lee, REALTORS, Local Experts, Certified Residential Specialists (CRS), Graduate, REALTOR Institute, Commitment to Excellence endorsed (C2EX)