Protecting Your Property: Connecticut Land Record Fraud at an All-Time High

As land record fraud surges across Connecticut, protecting your property’s title has never been more crucial. Professional criminal organizations are targeting unoccupied properties, searching land records, registries of deeds, and municipal records for owners who live out of state or are otherwise absent. Posing as property owners, these fraudsters exploit unsuspecting realtors, attorneys, and title companies to carry out fraudulent sales and then disappear with the proceeds. Staying informed about your property’s recorded status and partnering with knowledgeable legal and real estate professionals can help protect you from this alarming scam.

Land record fraud often occurs when criminals find properties with absent owners—whether they’re out-of-state, out-of-country, or otherwise unengaged in day-to-day monitoring. Criminals posing as the property’s rightful owner initiate fraudulent transactions and, in some cases, successfully transfer ownership through forged documents or fraudulent sales. These crimes leave the actual owner unaware of the transaction until long after the imposters have collected payment and vanished.

It’s essential for property owners to monitor their recorded land information. By keeping an eye on changes or new filings, you can ensure that any unauthorized activity is identified and addressed early. At Kenneth Barber & Associates, we recommend that all property owners routinely check their records for suspicious filings, particularly if the property is unoccupied or out of your immediate reach.

In Connecticut, some towns offer a land record fraud alert service that will notify you if anything is recorded on your property. This service provides early detection, allowing you to respond swiftly if suspicious activity occurs. However, not all towns are currently participating, so it’s crucial to check if your town offers this protection.

Effective communication between attorneys, real estate agents, and property owners is a crucial line of defense. When you work with an attorney who understands the risks, you can establish protocols for verifying client identity, communicating securely with real estate agents, and maintaining close oversight throughout the sale process. At Kenneth Barber & Associates, we work diligently to protect our clients’ interests and ensure transparency, safeguarding against these increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

If you own property in Connecticut, consider signing up for fraud alerts for added peace of mind. Not all towns currently participate, but the list of participating municipalities is growing. You can check this link to see if your town offers this essential service.

By staying vigilant and informed, property owners can take meaningful steps to protect their investments and help prevent this growing issue. For more information on protecting your property or to discuss legal support options, contact Kenneth Barber & Associates. We’re here to help safeguard your property’s future.