As a real estate professional here in Central Ohio, one of the fastest-growing concerns I hear from clients—especially those 50 and older—is home title theft, sometimes called house stealing. It’s a real and costly form of fraud, and unfortunately, scammers often target homeowners with significant equity, paid-off homes, or long-term residences.
The good news? You can monitor your property records for free through the county, without paying for subscription-based “home title protection” services.
Let’s walk through what title theft is, how it happens, and how you can safeguard what is likely one of your largest assets.
What Is Home Title Theft?
Home title theft occurs when a criminal illegally transfers the ownership of your home—often by forging your signature on a deed—and then records that false document with the county. Once they’ve done that, they may try to:
Open loans or lines of credit against your property
Sell the home without your knowledge
Rent the home to unsuspecting tenants
Most victims don’t know anything is wrong until a late notice from a lender arrives, or they discover that their property records have changed.
Common Targets in Columbus and Franklin County
While anyone can be a victim, scammers tend to look for:
Homeowners over 50
Homes with substantial equity
Homes that are not mortgaged (these have fewer lenders checking activity)
Rental properties, inherited homes, or vacation homes
If this sounds like you, monitoring your title is one of the smartest steps you can take. Don’t Pay for Monitoring — The County Offers It for Free. Many “title lock” or “home title protection” companies advertise monthly subscription fees to alert you to changes on your property title.
These companies cannot prevent fraud. All they can do is notify you of changes to your public record.
But here’s what they don’t tell you: Franklin County (and surrounding counties) provide this same service for free. For Franklin County homeowners, the Property Fraud Alert system is available at no cost. When any document is recorded in your name—such as a deed, mortgage, or lien—you’ll receive an email notification right away.
Franklin County Property Fraud Alert (FREE)
You can sign up on the Franklin County Recorder’s website. Here is the link to get started:
https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/property-e-alerts
Delaware Country Property Fraud Alert (FREE)
If you own property in Delaware county, use this link enroll your property for property fraud alerts: https://recorder.co.delaware.oh.us/resources/property-fraud/.
Union, Licking, and Fairfield Counties also offer similar free monitoring programs. Get in touch if you’d like more detail on one of these counties.
Simple Ways to Protect Yourself From Title Fraud
Enroll in your county’s free alerts. This is the No. 1 most effective step.
Check your credit regularly. Title theft often pairs with other financial fraud.
Ensure your mailing address is updated with the county. If you’ve downsized, spend winters out of state, or have a PO box, make sure your property tax and recorder mail reaches you.
Be cautious with personal information. Many scammers gather data from public sources, phishing emails, or mail theft.
Talk to a trusted real estate professional. If an alert ever shows unexpected activity, reach out immediately so we can help you determine what’s legitimate and what’s not.
Your Home Is Worth Protecting
Home title theft is frightening—but with the resources available right here in Central Ohio, it’s easy and free to stay informed.
If you’d like help signing up for your county’s alert system, or if you have questions about protecting your home, your equity, or your long-term housing plans, please contact Eileen Pilcher at (614) 375-0362.