County recorders urge property fraud protection

Feb. 6—Several county recorders participated in a joint news conference this week to urge Indiana residents to "make property fraud protection your New Year's resolution!"

"Over 72,000 Indiana residents have signed up for the free Property Fraud Protection program that county recorders offer," Nicole Keesling, Allen County Recorder and Indiana Recorders Association Legislative Committee Chair, said. "While that is a good number, we are hoping to increase it! We urge every single resident in the state to sign up for it."

Johnson County Recorder Teresa Petro added, "We want to take proactive steps to help protect the property of our residents. For most people, their property is the biggest investment they will ever make, and we as county recorders want to help you protect it."

The threat of mortgage fraud and identity theft crimes continue to rise, and all too often victims of these types of fraudulent activities are unaware their homes or identity have been stolen. While Property Fraud Protection does not prevent fraud from happening, it provides an early warning system for property owners to take appropriate actions should they determine possible fraudulent activity has taken place.

"Although this type of crime is rare in Indiana due to our Recording requirements and notary laws, it is on the rise nationwide, and we want to be proactive and help people have a piece of mind when it comes to the security of their property," Mandy Thomason, Starke County Recorder and Indiana Recorders Association President, said.

Rush County Recorder Debbie Richardson noted that Rush County property owners may sign up for this free service at http://watch.doxpop.com. This URL allows residents of all 92 Indiana counties to subscribe to alerts regarding possible fraudulent activity involving their property.

For more information about the Property Fraud Protection program, contact your county recorder's office.