Title fraud, also known as deed theft, is a growing scam where criminals illegally transfer property ownership—often using forged documents or fake identification—without the rightful owner’s knowledge. These schemes typically involve recording fake ownership transfers with county recorders or impersonating owners to list and sell properties fraudulently.
To better understand the scope of the issue, the National Association of REALTORS® conducted the 2025 Deed & Title Fraud Survey, collecting feedback from REALTOR® association advocacy professionals across 43 states, territories, and Washington, D.C.
Key Findings:
63% of respondents reported awareness of such scams in their markets over the past year.
The Northeast showed the highest reported prevalence, at 92%.
Scams are more common in central cities and suburban areas and disproportionately target vacant land (52% of cases) rather than owner-occupied homes (just 12%).
Efforts and Solutions:
76% of areas surveyed have measures in place to combat title fraud—mostly at the state level and through REALTOR® association policies.
Most existing efforts focus on prevention (52%), with 39% addressing both prevention and mitigation.
Educational resources, legislative policies, and fraud alert systems are the most widely used tools.
In areas without current policies, 30% are working on new initiatives in partnership with REALTOR® associations, land and title agents, and county deed recorders.
What Works Best:
A strong consensus (83% of respondents) favors electronic notification systems—services that alert property owners of any title changes—as the most effective method to combat title and deed fraud.
Bottom Line:
As title and deed scams continue to threaten property ownership, particularly in urban and suburban regions, coordinated efforts between REALTOR® associations, state legislators, and local recording offices are critical. Staying informed and advocating for proactive policies will help protect property rights across the country.
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