HOUSTON – Houston area homeowners are being warned about deed theft, a form of property fraud that can put their homes and generational wealth at risk.
“This is actual home theft,” Kaiman said. “It’s outright home theft.”
Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin says fraudulent filings can allow criminals to claim ownership of property sometimes without the homeowner even realizing it.
Kamin tells KPRC 2, her office has filed two major civil lawsuits against nine people accused of working together to fraudulently claim properties. Investigations began after homeowners reported suspicious activity, eventually uncovering additional properties and families potentially affected by the schemes.
In some cases, Kamin says, criminals forge notarized documents by taking a notary’s signature page and attaching it to fraudulent property records before filing them with the county.
“First and foremost, to anybody that is brazen enough to try to steal a home from a resident here in Harris County, we are coming for you, and we need the public’s help,” said Kamin.
The consequences can be devastating, leaving victims facing costly legal fees, time away from work and the stress of trying to reclaim their homes.
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HOW TO SPOT DEED FRAUD:
Kamin urges homeowners to regularly check their property records rather than waiting for a problem to surface.
Check your property information: Visit the Harris County Appraisal District’s website at hcad.org and search your address to find your property’s legal description.Review county records: Use the Harris County Clerk’s website to search property records using that legal description. Look for unfamiliar or suspicious filings.Report suspicious activity: Visit the Harris County Attorney’s website at harriscountytx.gov and look for the “Stay Scam Free” section to report suspected fraud.
Keep estate documents updated: Kaiman also recommends having a clear, up-to-date will, particularly for families managing property after a loved one’s death.
If you suspect someone is attempting to steal your property, Kamin advises contacting an attorney promptly and reporting the activity to her office.
“We’re talking about what they have worked so hard to invest into to build a foundation for their children, their grandchildren to stand on. We’re talking about generational wealth that is being stolen, on top of the legal fees, on top of the time it takes to deal with this, to take time off of work to navigate something so stressful and painful,” said Kamin.
BUYERS AND RENTERS CAN ALSO BE VICTIMS:
Deed theft can extend beyond homeowners. Criminals may attempt to sell or rent a property they do not legally own, leaving unsuspecting buyers and renters at risk of losing money.
Kamin warns people to be cautious of deals that seem unusually cheap, requests for cash and sellers or landlords who pressure them to move quickly through a transaction.
“Nobody is immune to it,” she said.
Kamin says her office is working with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue cases and is advocating for stronger protections for property owners.
“We need everyone’s help. This is all hands-on deck, but we are going to hold these people accountable, and I want to be very, very clear about that,” said Kamin.
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