Technology has improved our lives in many ways, but it also has a dark side. One example is deed fraud, where scammers forge property deeds to steal or misuse properties—sometimes without the owner even knowing.
What is Deed Fraud?
Deed fraud usually involves a scammer creating a fake deed for a property. Once they have the forged deed, they might:
- Sell the property illegally.
- Take out loans or home equity lines of credit.
- Rent the property to unsuspecting tenants.
The problem has gotten worse with advances in technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), which makes it easier than ever to fake IDs and signatures.
Real-Life Example: Graceland Scandal
In May 2024, scammers tried to steal Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous Memphis mansion. The house was nearly auctioned off after someone claimed Lisa Marie Presley (Elvis’s daughter) had used it as collateral for a loan she didn’t repay before her death.
However, Lisa’s daughter, Riley Keough, proved that her mother’s signature was forged, and the sale was a scam. While Graceland was saved, this case shows how easily scammers can target property—even famous ones.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While high-profile scams might get caught, everyday property owners aren’t always as lucky. Senior citizens, for example, are frequent targets of deed fraud and other types of financial crimes.
How to Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself with a free service called Property Fraud Alert, which monitors your property for fraudulent recordings. Here’s how it works:
- Select your county on the service’s website.
- Provide your name and contact information.
- Choose to receive alerts by email, text, or phone if someone files a document related to your property.
Not all counties offer this service, but you can nominate your county if it’s not participating. Livingston County, Genesee County, Oakland County, Ingham County, and Shiawassee County for example, are already part of the program. Other counties, such as Washtenaw County and Clinton County, utilize other, similar services.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you want to learn more or need help dealing with property scams or other financial fraud matters, contact Jennifer L. Gross at [email protected], or reach out to the attorneys at Cooper & Riesterer, PLC.
