(This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

It can be difficult to protect your property when you’re not near it. If you own rental property and you don’t live in the area, you want to be aware of how title fraud, also known as deed fraud, happens and what you can do to prevent it.

Title fraud occurs when an individual pretends to be the owner of a property and then “sells” that property. With most property records available online, fraudsters can forge identity documents, then list the property for sale. They might change the locks to allow showings or specifically target out-of-town buyers who would be unable to visit the property.

Once the property is “sold,” fraudsters might request a remote closing. Proceeds are directed to accounts that are quickly emptied.

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The fraud typically happens with nonowner-occupied properties such as rentals or second homes. Without eyes on the property, owners might be
unaware of fraudulent listings, for-sale signs, or showings. If it’s been a few years since you lived in the property, neighbors might not know you aren’t selling, or they might not know how to contact you.

Homeowners can take several precautions to mitigate the risk of title fraud. Regularly check your online property records to ensure your information is
updated, including a current mailing address. While you are there, investigate whether you can sign up for notifications about activity on your account and property transactions.

In addition, provide neighbors with your current contact information and a general sense of your future plans for the property. Ask local friends to keep an eye on your property and let you know if they see unusual activity.

You can also set up a Google alert for the property, which could notify you if the address shows up on digital listings.

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If title fraud occurs, seek legal assistance. While the property almost always reverts to the property owner, proving fraud can be costly and time-consuming.

If you purchased title insurance that includes post-purchase fraud coverage, it might be able to alleviate some of the expenses but not the hassle.

Absentee landlords are at greater risk than owner-occupants or those who live near their rental property.

Implementing protective measures up front can reduce your exposure to fraud and safeguard your property ownership.