PSA for Property Owners in Los Angeles County: Fraud Alert Program

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Mortgage Fraud image


Working within the real estate field as a mobile notary signing agent, I have a professional network of colleagues who keep me in touch with most things real estate. Consequently, you should know that real estate fraud is on the rise. This means, that thieves are in force, stealing real property right out from under unsuspecting owners.

Filing a fraudulent real estate document with the county recorders office is easier than you think. The county clerk does not evaluate the veracity of a document that is presented for filing. They do make sure there are no blank lines, and they do make sure the notary seal is properly placed and that the notary commission is not expired, but a criminal can have stolen a notary seal, or have one illegally made, or a notary may have been duped into notarizing a fraudulent document. On every California notarial acknowledgment, and jurat the following verbiage must be included:  

A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.

 So while notaries are a defensive line against fraud, they are also human and can be fooled when presented with convincing fraudulent identification.

Most at risk for real estate fraud are seniors. Crooks will scour public records looking for properties with no mortgage or those with high equity, which oftentimes are owned by senior citizens.

According to the LA County District Attorney's Office - here is what to look for and how to prevent real estate fraud:

"Warning Signs:

  • You are urged to take out a second mortgage on your home to get out of debt fast. Frequently when this occurs the con artist submits false financial information so that you qualify for the new loan, but pockets your closing costs.

  • Even before you have agreed to refinance, the lender’s representative asks you for personal identification information (Social Security number, financial account numbers, etc.).

  • Caretakers and/or caregivers try to persuade you to sign a deed conveying property to them or sign loan documents for a mortgage against the senior’s property.

Prevention:

  • Do not take out a loan, a reverse mortgage or transfer property unless trusted family members and friends agree that it should be done and they witness the proposed transaction.

  • If you receive a letter from a mortgage company notifying you of a mortgage on your home for which you never applied, immediately call the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs Real Estate Fraud Hotline at (800) 973-3370. Also, notify the mortgage company that you did not apply for the loan.

  • Never sign anything without being sure you know the full consequences of what you are signing. If you have any doubts, discuss them with someone you trust.

  • Do not give personal information, such as your Social Security number, to a stranger or loan salesperson.

For more information about real estate fraud, including information about reverse mortgages, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs website. "

Con Artist graphic image
Be Proactive! The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office along with the County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, and the County Dept. of Consumer and Business Affairs have joined forces to offer a tool that notifies a property owner, via their registered email address, when a Grant Deed, Quit Claim Deed or Deed of Trust has been recorded on their property, as well as when a Notice of Default,
or Notice of Sale is issued prior to foreclosure.  

To learn more about this Fraud Alert program and to register, click this link and scroll towards the bottom where it says E-NOTIFICATION: LA County Assessor's website.

Check with your local county about their fraud alert programs.

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For all your notarial needs in LA, and Orange counties, call me 562-786-5174

Weston Mobile Notary


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