Protecting Your Home From Title Theft

Spokane Police have issued a warning about home title theft, a scam that targets unsuspecting homeowners by stealing their identities to create false property documents. Criminals can then transfer ownership and exploit the property financially, often without the legal owners' knowledge. Victims typically find out about the fraud when it's too late, losing their homes and equity. To combat this, residents are encouraged to regularly check county records for any unauthorized changes to their property titles. Monitoring services are available, but homeowners can also conduct checks independently for free.

The police department stresses the importance of vigilance and quick reporting of any suspected fraud. This type of crime not only affects homes but can also involve land parcels, making awareness even more critical. Being proactive can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of such scams.