Home title theft is a type of real estate fraud where a homeowner’s personal information is used to forge a deed and steal their home. The person responsible may also apply for a home equity loan or line of credit in the homeowner’s name and fail to make payments, which exposes the owner to foreclosure or credit damage. So, to protect oneself and their home, here are a few tips for preventing home title theft:

1. Keep track of all mail
If one suddenly stops receiving bills or other important mail, it might be a sign that someone has changed their address without their consent or knowledge. Further, one should keep tabs on vital documents, such as their deed and mortgage statements, and keep them safe.

2. Buy owner’s title insurance
One of the best ways to protect a home title is to get an owner’s title insurance policy. The plan can protect the homeowner if there are any liens or claims filed against the property while they are the owner.

3. Be vigilant about personal data
Scammers can get sensitive information when documents containing it are disposed of in the trash without caution. So, one must ensure they shred sensitive documents, like bills and bank statements, before throwing them away. One should also avoid carrying their Social Security card or birth certificate with them and refrain from giving out personal information over the phone or online unless they know for sure who is on the other line.

4. Practice good cyber hygiene
One of the best places for identity thieves to find personal information is social media or other online sources. They could also use this information to apply for credit cards, rent a car, or secure a driver’s license. So, one should consider cleaning up online profiles or setting them to private so that only close friends and family can see sensitive information, such as the address, phone number, or date of birth.

5. Use safe browsing tools
Many identity thieves use fake websites to steal personal information. Here, a safe browsing tool could help warn the user if they are entering a potentially malicious website. Doing so could protect their network against hacking while securing their devices and data.

6. Secure the property
One must secure their property by reporting suspicious activity around their neighborhood to the relevant authorities. One could also install surveillance cameras to protect their home or neighborhood, which could deter thieves from stealing documents like deeds or mortgage statements.

7. Check public records
Sometimes, checking public records could help one identify unfamiliar activities or documents on the home’s paperwork. This could include strangers’ names or forged signatures. To check the records, one might need to make an appointment at the local public records office and carry at least two forms of identification, such as a utility bill, birth certificate, or passport, during the visit.

8. Monitor credit reports
One is entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies each year. So, one should review their report to identify suspicious activities, if any. Such activities could include details regarding new accounts that are registered in the account holder’s name and unauthorized changes made to the existing accounts.