The FBI is warning that a growing number of people across the country are becoming victims of a sneaky form of property theft. Criminals are using something called a “quitclaim deed” to illegally take ownership of homes that don’t belong to them. In one recent case, a couple was charged after they used this method to steal a home from a 67-year-old man and tried to sell it for $119,000 without his knowledge.
The worst part? Many homeowners don’t realize it’s happening until it’s too late—when they find out someone else “owns” their property, is renting it out, or has taken out a loan against it.
What Exactly Is a Quitclaim Deed?
A quitclaim deed is a legal document that lets someone give up their ownership rights to a property. It doesn’t come with any guarantees, so the person receiving it doesn’t really know what they’re getting. These deeds are often used between family members or when someone is transferring property in a divorce or after someone passes away.
Because they’re easy to fill out and file with the county, scammers take advantage of this process. All they need to do is forge the real owner’s signature, file the document at the local county office, and suddenly they appear as the new owner.
How Scammers Use Quitclaim Deeds to Steal Homes
This type of fraud usually starts when a criminal finds a property that looks like an easy target—maybe it’s vacant, behind on taxes, or owned by someone elderly. Then they either forge the owner’s name or trick them into signing a quitclaim deed without realizing what they’re doing.
Once they file it at the county clerk’s office, it becomes part of the official record. From there, the fraudster can:
- Try to sell the property
- Rent it out to someone else
- Use it as collateral to take out a loan
This creates a legal mess for the real owner, who may have to go to court, hire a lawyer, and spend months or years trying to prove the fraud.
Who’s Most Likely to Be Targeted?
While anyone can become a victim of deed fraud, some people are more likely to be targeted:
- People who own homes that are fully paid off
- Elderly homeowners, especially those who live alone
- Families of people who recently passed away and left behind property
- Owners of vacant homes or homes in foreclosure
- Properties with overdue taxes or legal issues
These types of properties attract scammers because there’s usually less oversight, and the real owners may not be checking up on the property regularly.
How You Can Protect Your Property From Deed Fraud
The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your property:
- Sign up for property fraud alerts: Many counties, including in Florida, offer free alert systems. You’ll get a message if anything is filed under your name or property address.
- Check your property records regularly: Visit your county recorder’s website to make sure no unexpected changes have been made to your title.
- Be careful with your personal info: Don’t give out your Social Security number, driver’s license, or other sensitive info unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe.
- Watch for mail issues: If you stop getting tax bills or utility notices, that might be a sign someone changed the mailing address on your home.
- Don’t rush into signing anything: If someone asks you to sign property paperwork and it doesn’t feel right, talk to a lawyer first.
