New Property Protection Tool to Prevent Title Theft

Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano launched a new Property eAlert system Thursday that helps protect homeowners from title theft and fraud.

The Auditor’s Property eAlerts notification system is a free and convenient service that allows property owners to sign up to receive an email alert whenever a change is made to the owner name, address, or appraised value associated with a property’s record. The Property eAlerts system is integrated into the office’s real estate record database and provides registered homeowners with immediate notification of a change in their property’s ownership or value.

“The Property eAlerts system is a simple way to protect homeowners and give them peace of mind about the security of one of their most valuable assets,” Stinziano said.

The new system addresses concerns about the security of property deeds and the threat that a home’s title could be “stolen” by a fraudulent actor who files a counterfeit deed and transfers the home out of their ownership.  

In addition to the new eAlerts system, all property transfers are processed by the Auditor’s office and require notarization as a safeguard against fraud. Anyone who suspects they are a victim of fraud can call the Auditor’s office Fraud hotline at 614-525-SCAM.    

Link: https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/property-e-alerts