Your home can be sold without your knowledge

SANDUSKY — The single largest asset for most older Americans is their home. This is important because at the root of all vulnerability is one thing: lack of money. With the advent of the internet and evolving information technology, there is a new crime taking place, which can sell your property without your knowledge. This type of crime has several names and is often referred to as deed fraud, quit claim deed fraud and home title theft, The Ohio State University Extension Office wrote about it on Jan. 22, in a blog titled, What is 'deed fraud'" and how can landowners protect themselves from it? In simple terms, this means scammers are impersonating landowners. On the website ohiorealtors.org, it reports that deed fraud is on the rise, and both consumers and realtors are at risk. It goes on to explain: "They use forged documents, fake identification to attempt to illegally transfer property titles and profit from the fraudulent sale." In a WABI newsclip, it is reported that the Boston bureau of the FBI stated that quit claim deed fraud is on the rise. This is when scammers illegally transfer ownership of your land without your knowledge or consent. According to the reporting, this appears to be occurring with vacant land or homes. In some cases, vacant homes are rented out by scammers. To protect yourself from this crime, the FBI recommends that property owners do the following: • Continually monitor online property records • Set up online search alerts for your property • Drive by and check on the property • Report suspicious activity • Take action if you stop receiving tax bills Want to go? From 1:30-3 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, Serving Our Seniors is hosting a public forum: Scams: When Your Home is Sold Without Your Knowledge. It'll occur at the Erie County Senior Center, 620 E. Water St., in Sandusky. Speakers include Rick Jeffrey, Erie County auditor; Caleb Stidham, Erie County treasurer; Nick Smith, Erie County recorder; and Dan McLaughlin, financial elder abuse investigator with the Erie County prosecutor's office. Advanced registration is required for planning purposes. To reserve your seat, call Serving Our Seniors' reservation line, 419-504-0585, no later than April 27. Seating is limited to 70 people. Leave your name and phone number. If the venue changes or the forum is canceled, you will be notified by telephone.