Episode 22: Title Fraud: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Title Fraud: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Featured Guest

Dale Orr

Founder & President, VyStar Title Agency

Dale Orr is the founder and President of VyStar Title Agency. Dale is a seasoned professional with over 30 years’ experience in title insurance and real estate mortgage lending. Dale graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Economics and holds her 4-10, 2-15 and 2-20 insurance licenses in Florida. She is a licensed title agent in both Florida and Georgia.

Dale currently serves on the board of trustees for the Florida Land Title Charitable Foundation. She is a past president and member of the Riverside Rotary Club of Jacksonville and serves the community as an active volunteer and supporter of the Jacksonville Humane Society, Jacksonville Arts and Music School (JAMS) and Community Peds Hospice.

Highlights

  • Title fraud is a growing issue, with recent high-profile cases—like the attempted fraudulent sale of Graceland—bringing it into the spotlight.

  • Fraudsters increasingly target vacant properties, rental homes, vacant land, and any real estate owned free and clear, especially when property owners are not actively monitoring them.

  • Title fraud typically starts with identity theft, where criminals obtain fake IDs and collude with notaries to create and notarize fraudulent documents before delivering them to county recorders.

  • County recorders generally do not verify the legitimacy of documents beyond signatures, witnesses, and notary seals, making it easier for fraudulent deeds to be recorded quickly.

  • Victims often don’t realize fraud has occurred until they notice changes in property records, receive past-due bills, or, in extreme cases, foreclosure notices—even when they own their property outright.

  • Vacant and unmortgaged properties are especially at risk because ownership changes and fraudulent activities can go unnoticed for long periods.

  • VyStar Credit Union safeguards its members using a multilayered approach: always verifying identities, cross-checking ownership records, and collaborating with underwriters, lenders, and title professionals—even surveyors who flag suspicious activity.

  • Homeowners should regularly monitor property records and credit reports, sign up for property alert services offered by most county recorders, and carefully read all mail—including legal notices—to spot early warning signs of fraud.

  • There’s no completely foolproof way to prevent title fraud, but proactive vigilance (like enrolling in property alert notifications and reviewing your credit regularly) greatly reduces risk.

  • If you suspect you’re a victim—whether through an alert, mail, or credit report—take immediate action: notify local authorities, the FBI, and the county recorder’s office to protect your property and begin the resolution process.

  • Acting quickly is vital; the sooner fraud is detected and reported, the greater the chance to resolve it before irreversible damage occurs.

  • VyStar Plus Checking offers free credit monitoring, giving account holders an additional tool to identify suspicious activity and safeguard against title and identity fraud.

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The content provided in this podcast consists of the opinions and ideas of the creators alone and should be used for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice, and are not meant to replace such advice. VyStar Credit Union is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from decisions you make based on the information provided. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and not VyStar Credit Union or its management.