Home-Title Theft: How to Protect Yourself

Losing your home to title theft is real. Technology and the Internet have made our personal information more available than ever to criminals. Identity theft is extremely prevalent, but thieves are turning to title theft and stealing people’s property — a much more profitable crime. 


You may be asking yourself what home-title theft is, how it can affect you, and what you can do to prevent it. The title experts at True Concept Title are ready to explain how you can protect yourself – and property – against this crime. 


What Is Home-Title Theft? 


Home-title theft, or deed theft, occurs when ownership of a property is fraudulently transferred to another person without the owner’s knowledge or consent. 


But how could this be done? The thief would first forge the real homeowner’s signature on the title to make it look like the property was sold to them. The document then would be signed as the new homeowner or grantee. The forged title is filed with the county recorder to make it appear official. 


Once it is filed, the real homeowner no longer has legal ownership of the property — until they find out and then must fix the title fraud and theft. 


Home-title theft can happen when: 


  • The mortgage is refinanced — the thief cashes out the home equity and walks away with the difference. The thief will not pay the new mortgage, meaning the real homeowner can face foreclosure. 
  • A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is opened in the real homeowner’s name — the thief cashes out the home equity and will not pay the new mortgage, again leaving the real homeowner to face foreclosure. 
  • An empty home, such as an unoccupied rental property or vacation home, is targeted — the title is forged, the home is sold, and the real homeowner does not know. 
  • Vulnerable homeowners such as seniors are conned into “refinancing” their home — the property is refinanced or sold, transferring ownership to the thief. 


Keys To Protecting Yourself 


One of the most important ways to protect yourself from home-title theft is to be vigilant. After all, thieves want to avoid being caught, so they look for an easy target. The experts at True Concept Title want to raise awareness of home-title theft by recommending the following tips. 


Watch for missing bills or bills addressed to someone who does not live at your address. 


Although it could just be an error, missing bills should be investigated. If your important home-related bills, such as your mortgage, utility bills, tax bill, etc., are missing, the home title thief has likely changed the address. 


On the other hand, if you are receiving home-related bills but in someone else’s name, this is a red flag. 


Watch and monitor your credit report. 


It is important to frequently monitor your credit report. If you notice that your credit score has dropped, you should investigate it immediately. It may be the result of unpaid bills from the change of address/title theft. Also, it could indicate that the thief has sold more of your personal information and you may also be a victim of identity theft. 


Make sure you have title insurance. 


While title insurance will not prevent the theft from happening, it will protect you afterward. 


How Title Insurance Protects You 


Title insurance is extremely important. It is a one-time fee that protects against any claims or liens that are made against the property. 


There are two types of title insurance — lender’s title insurance and owner’s title insurance. When you purchase a home, the mortgage company requires lender’s title insurance to assure them that the home title is clear at the time of the sale. The owner’s title insurance protects the property after the purchase of the home. 


If you are a victim of home-title theft, you will need a lawyer to go to court to prove that fraud occurred. This is time-consuming and can be costly. Thankfully, title insurance will pay the legal fees. Therefore, it is crucial to purchase title insurance before closing on your home. 


Shield Your Home With True Concept Title 


Do not allow yourself to become a victim of home-title theft! 


The best way to protect yourself from home-title theft is to purchase title insurance when you buy your home. If you are purchasing a property or need help getting title insurance, True Concept Title can assist you. Our team offers complete title and escrow services nationwide. Call us today at (813) 263-7168 to see how our team can protect your home today! 

A professional close-up shot of a person in a suit signing a document while another person listens.
By True Concept Title October 17, 2025
Explore types of title insurance policies and what they cover. Protect your property rights and avoid costly surprises with the right coverage.
A small, white model house sits on top of a clipboard with legal documents, placed on a light wooden
By True Concept Title October 7, 2025
Learn how the Forfeiture Act can impact a property's title and how title insurance protects your investment from these complex legal risks.
Alt Text: cardboard house sitting on top of a stack of papers
By True Concept Title October 7, 2025
Easements affect your property rights and land use. Discover how thorough title searches and title insurance protect your ownership before buying.
A man and a woman are sitting at a table with a laptop and a pen.
July 22, 2025
Protect your home with title insurance. Learn how True Concept Title safeguards against fraud, forgery, and disputes to ensure secure, stress-free ownership.
A person is handing a house key to another person.
July 8, 2025
Safeguard your ownership with expert title insurance. Discover how True Concept Title protects owners from future claims, liens, and legal disputes with precise, experienced service.
A young woman is showing an older woman how to use a cell phone.
May 27, 2025
Tips for Seniors Considering a Reverse Mortgage and Title Insurance 
A woman is sitting at a counter in a restaurant pointing at something.
April 12, 2025
10 Questions to Ask Your Title Company Before Closing
A model house and keys are on a wooden table.
March 25, 2025
Exploring the Role of a Title Insurance Underwriter
A woman 's face is covered in red numbers and letters.
February 5, 2025
Discover the importance of data security in title companies and learn how True Concept Title prioritizes your information safety with robust measures to protect sensitive data during real estate transactions.
A person is writing on a tablet with a pencil.
January 12, 2025
In an age where technology continuously reshapes how we conduct transactions, e-closings, and digital signatures have emerged as transformative forces in the real estate industry. These innovations streamline the buying and selling process, offering numerous advantages over traditional paper-based closings. At True Concept Title Company , we embrace these advancements to provide clients with a seamless and efficient closing experience. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits of e-closings and digital signatures. Convenience and Accessibility One of the most significant advantages of e-closings is their unparalleled convenience. Digital transactions eliminate the need for all parties to gather in person, allowing buyers, sellers, and agents to close deals from virtually anywhere in the world. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with tight schedules or those living in different locations. E-closings also empower you to review documents at your own pace. You can sign digital documents securely at a time that suits you, reducing the pressure to finalize everything in a meeting. This convenience translates to a more relaxed and stress-free experience for everyone involved. Enhanced Security Measures Digital signatures offer enhanced security features that protect the integrity of your documents. Electronic transactions often utilize encryption and secure identities to ensure that signatures are genuine and documents aren't altered post-signature. Many e-closing platforms offer audit trails , allowing you to trace every step of the signing process. This transparency provides peace of mind, as both parties can verify the authenticity of the documents and who accessed them. Additionally, digital storage of these documents reduces the risk of loss or damage compared to physical papers. Increased Efficiency and Speed E-closings significantly expedite closing, reducing the time to finalize real estate transactions. By eliminating the back-and-forth associated with mailing documents, closings can be completed more rapidly. This speed is particularly useful in competitive markets where timing can influence the success of a deal. Furthermore, e-closings streamline communication between all parties involved. Any changes or updates can be managed in real time, ensuring everyone stays informed and on the same page and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication. Environmentally Friendly Practices The shift from paper-based transactions to digital signatures contributes to more sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices . By minimizing the need for printed documents, e-closings help reduce paper use and the carbon footprint of transporting physical documents. This eco-friendly approach is becoming increasingly important to clients conscious of their environmental impact. By adopting digital solutions, you contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying the benefits of modern technology. Cost Savings E-closings can also lead to significant cost savings. By reducing the need for physical resources such as paper, printing, and postage, you can cut down on these expenses. Additionally, the increased efficiency of digital processes can save on administrative and labor costs. Moreover, fewer errors occur in digital processing, reducing costs associated with correcting mistakes commonly encountered in manual paperwork processing. Conclusion: As the real estate industry evolves, embracing e-closings and digital signatures represents a move towards greater efficiency, security, and convenience. At True Concept Title Company, we are committed to leveraging these technologies to enhance your closing experience. Whether buying or selling, consider opting for an e-closing to enjoy its many benefits. Ready to experience the convenience of e-closings and digital signatures? Contact True Concept Title Company today to learn how we can simplify your home transaction process with the latest digital solutions. Embrace the future of real estate with us!