Is Your Deed Safe? What Pennsylvania Homeowners Need to Know About Title Fraud
- Justin Gooderham
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Imagine receiving a tax notice for a property loan you never took out—or worse, finding out someone else is trying to sell your land. This isn't a rare scam—it’s happening all across Pennsylvania.
Deed Fraud Is Quietly Growing in Pennsylvania
According to the 2025 National Association of Realtors Deed and Fraud Survey, 63% of Realtor leaders nationwide have seen or heard of title fraud cases in the past year. In the Northeast, that number jumps to a staggering 92%.
Title fraud in Pennsylvania isn’t limited to big cities. It’s happening in communities like Waynesboro, Chambersburg, and throughout Franklin County. The targets are often vacant land, residential properties, and homes with absentee owners.
What Is Title and Deed Fraud?
Title fraud occurs when criminals forge signatures and file fake documents to steal ownership of a home or land. These fraudulent filings may not be discovered until it’s too late—when the rightful owner receives unfamiliar tax bills, notices of unpaid mortgages, or learns their property is listed for sale by someone else.
According to the 2025 NAR survey:
52% of reported fraud cases affected vacant residential land
12% impacted owner-occupied homes
Less than 20% affected detached single-family homes
This type of fraud is often called a “silent crime” because victims may not realize they’ve been targeted until significant damage has already been done.
How to Protect Your Property from Deed and Title Fraud
Preventing title fraud starts with being proactive. Here’s how to secure your investment:
Sign Up for Property Alert Services
Many Pennsylvania counties offer property fraud alert services through the recorder of deeds office. These notifications alert you to any new filings involving your property.
Monitor Your Mail and Records
Watch for suspicious or unexpected documents, including:
- Tax bills
- Mortgage statements
- Court notices
Work With a Title Professional
Buyers and current owners should work with a licensed Pennsylvania title insurance company to:
- Verify the property’s ownership history
- Conduct thorough title searches
- Purchase title insurance to cover hidden risks
Report Fraud Immediately
If you suspect fraud:
- Contact your county recorder of deeds
- Speak with a real estate attorney
- Report it to law enforcement immediately
Obtain Title Insurance for Protection
Title insurance protects you from:
- Unknown heirs
- Forgery and fraudulent signatures
- Clerical errors in public records
Freeze Your Title
Some counties allow you to request added security measures or place an alert/freeze on your property title to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Verify Communications Carefully
If you receive an email or call regarding property documents, wire transfers, or deed changes, verify it:
- Call your title company directly
- Avoid clicking links or downloading files from suspicious messages
- Double-check that email addresses and names are spelled correctly
Keep Copies of Your Deed and Title Documents
Store these documents securely—both digitally and physically—so you can quickly verify ownership in case of a dispute.
Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers
Some scammers pose as investors or cash buyers with fake paperwork. Always verify their identity and check their legitimacy through licensed agents and public records.
Talk to a Trusted Title Company
Companies like Buchanan Settlement Services in Waynesboro and Chambersburg, PA, offer title insurance services and local expertise to help you stay protected.
Choose Local Title Protection You Can Trust
Your home and land are likely your biggest investments—don’t leave them vulnerable.
At Buchanan Settlement Services, we protect Pennsylvania property owners with:
Secure, attorney-reviewed title searches
Title insurance that protects you after closing
Alerts on ownership concerns during real estate transactions
Local service from offices in Waynesboro and Chambersburg
📞 Call (717) 762-1415 to schedule a secure consultation
🏡 Serving homeowners and investors across South Central Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Title and Deed Fraud
Q: What is the difference between title fraud and deed fraud?
A: Both involve fraudulent claims to ownership, but title fraud refers to manipulation of ownership records during a transaction, while deed fraud typically means forged transfers of ownership after the fact.
Q: Can I prevent title fraud with insurance?
A: Yes. Title insurance protects against undiscovered title defects, including forged deeds or unreported claims.
Q: How will I know if I’ve been a victim of deed fraud?
A: Watch for bills, tax notices, or listings on your property you didn’t approve. Signing up for deed alert services through your county can also help.
Q: Is my vacant land at risk?
A: Absolutely. According to the NAR, vacant and unmonitored residential land is the most common target of title fraud in the Northeast.
Q: What makes Buchanan Settlement Services different?
A: We offer local, attorney-certified, and secure title services with a long-standing reputation for fraud protection across South Central Pennsylvania.
Call Buchanan Settlement Services today at (717) 762-1415
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