County Recorder Warns Property Owners of Recent Attempts at Property Fraud

Property fraud has been prevalent in states across the country and now we are seeing recent attempts of property fraud enter Sangamon County. These attempts have started with the individual posing as the property owner and contacting a local realtor(s) to list the property. Although these attempts have been halted by inquisitive neighbors and/or requests for more information by the realtor, the attempts are a serious matter which property owners should be concerned about.

"In our current economic climate, property and mortgage fraud are becoming more prevalent,” said Sangamon County Recorder Josh Langfelder. "To help prevent property fraud, my office has provided a Property Fraud Alert service since 2009. This service is a proactive measure against property fraud and is in the best interest of the community.”
 
While it can happen to anyone, perpetrators of property fraud often prey on the elderly, absentee property owners and individuals who have paid off their mortgage. While we have seen a few attempts of property fraud in Sangamon County, property fraud is a serious problem in other parts of Illinois as well as across the country.
 
"Protecting real estate property along with consumers’ information is a top priority” Langfelder said. "The Property Fraud Alert program provides citizens an early warning system allowing them to take action should they deem possible fraudulent activity has occurred.”
 
Individuals can sign-up by going to www.propertyfraudalert.com/sangamonil or by contacting the Recorder’s office at (217) 535-3151. It only takes a few minutes and simply requires the person’s name and a phone number or e-mail address. The system will then monitor the subscribed name and delivers an alert by e-mail, text or telephone call if the user’s name appears on a document filed in the Sangamon County Recorder’s Office.

Most alerts received will be for legitimate documents, such as those filed when a home is bought or sold. However, if the property owner is concerned about a document he or she is unaware of, the alert contains information on how the owner can investigate the matter and take appropriate action.