Gottlieb Law, PLC provides this article for informational purposes only. Nothing herein creates an attorney–client relationship. Do not act or rely on this information without consulting qualified legal counsel. Laws change frequently, and only a licensed attorney can provide advice specific to your circumstances.
According to a Fox10 local news story in Phoenix, a recent Scottsdale case brought renewed attention to deed-related fraud attempts in Arizona. The story spread quickly across local news. Local news outlets and police reports described an incident in which two individuals allegedly used forged documents in an effort to list and sell a home they did not own. The legitimate owner discovered the activity early, but without quick intervention, the property could have been sold, encumbered, or otherwise affected before anyone realized something was wrong.
Although outright “title theft” is rare, fraudulent attempts involving forged deeds, impersonation, and falsified ownership documents do occur—especially in markets with high demand, rapid appreciation, or a large number of part-time or absentee owners. These circumstances can make Arizona properties appealing targets for individuals seeking to transfer ownership or authorize a sale without the true owner’s knowledge.
Fortunately, many Arizona counties now offer a title alert service that provides property owners with prompt notice when a document is recorded under their name. While these alerts cannot prevent a fraudulent recording from being submitted, they can give owners rapid notice so they can investigate and, if necessary, take legal action as quickly as possible.
This article explains why these alerts matter, how to sign up in Arizona’s largest counties, what to look for in the notifications, and why early action can keep a recording issue from becoming a much more significant legal problem. For readers seeking deeper analysis of real-estate fraud issues, here are some of our recent resources:
- Arizona Deed Forgery and Real Estate Fraud Legal Update (YouTube Video)
- Multi-Party Real Estate Fraud in Arizona
- Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Real Estate Transactions
- Arizona’s Landmark Foreclosure Fraud Lawsuit: What Homeowners, Businesses & Real Estate Professionals Need to Know
The Scottsdale Alleged Fraud Attempt: A Real Wake Up Call
In the alleged recent Scottsdale incident, the suspects allegedly used falsified documents to impersonate the property owner. They then attempted to present the home as their own and move forward with a sale. This type of deed-related fraud is possible because county recorder offices are generally required to accept and record documents that meet statutory formatting requirements. Recorders generally cannot investigate authenticity, verify signatures, or determine whether identification is legitimate.
Once a fraudulent instrument is recorded, the individual responsible may attempt to sell the property, obtain financing, place liens, or transfer it to another entity. Many victims do not learn of the issue until long after the document is recorded and the scam has progressed. Title alerts help by providing an early warning signal when prompt intervention is still possible.
How Maricopa County Title Alert Protects You
Maricopa County offers a Title Alert service that sends a notification whenever a document is recorded containing a name you register. The system monitors the exact names you enter and alerts you by email or text when a deed, lien, release, or other document is filed that includes that name.
Title alerts may capture recordings such as:
- Warranty deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Liens
- Deeds of trust
- Affidavits that affect title
- Other documents containing the name you registered
If someone attempts to transfer or encumber your property without authorization, you will receive near-real-time notice.
Signing up is straightforward. Visit the Maricopa County Recorder’s Title Alert page, enter your name (including variations), and include the names of any trusts, LLCs, or other entities that hold title to your property. Choose email or text notifications, complete the confirmation steps, and the system will begin monitoring immediately.
It is important to understand what Title Alert does—and does not—do. The service does not prevent a forged document from being recorded and cannot confirm whether a document is valid. It also does not replace a title search, title insurance, or legal advice. What it provides is time. Early notice allows property owners to address a suspicious recording while corrective options are still available.
Title Alerts in Arizona’s Other Largest Counties
Property owners outside Maricopa County or those who own property in several counties should enroll in all available alert programs. Several Arizona counties offer alert or recording-notification tools in Arizona. If you want to sign up an alert service in your county, you should confirm your county offers this service and also confirm the scope of the title alert service. You should also consult an attorney if any questions about this process. These alert systems generally notify you when a document containing the registered name is recorded, but they do not guarantee that every document affecting a property will trigger an alert.
Who Should Use Title Alerts
Title alerts are easy to use and beneficial for nearly any property owner. They are especially valuable for individuals at higher risk of deed-related fraud attempts.
Homeowners should consider enrolling if the property is:
- vacant or only occasionally occupied
- a seasonal or part-time residence
- owned free and clear
- held long-term with minimal day-to-day oversight
Out-of-state owners and older owners may face increased exposure because scammers often target properties with substantial equity or limited on-site monitoring.
Home buyers can monitor the seller’s name during escrow to detect unexpected liens, transfers, or ownership changes before closing. If an unexpected recording appears during inspection or closing, it should be investigated promptly with the escrow officer, title company, or legal counsel.
Investors and landlords benefit from alerts on multiple properties, LLCs, and trust names. Vacant rentals, inherited property, and entity-owned homes can sometimes be targeted in fraudulent transfer schemes.
Realtors and title professionals can recommend these alert systems to clients as a best practice and may use them to verify that a seller’s ownership status has not changed during the transaction period.
Early Warning Signs of Title Fraud
While title alerts provide early notice of new recordings, homeowners should also stay alert for other potential red flags. Common indicators include:
- A document recorded on your property that you do not recognize
- Your property being listed online for sale or rent without your involvement
- Notices of loans, liens, or mortgages you did not authorize
- Mail addressed to someone else as the owner
- Individuals attempting to access, occupy, or claim the property
- Pressure to bypass normal escrow, title, or verification procedures during a transaction
Our recent articles on multi party real estate fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation provide additional examples of how these schemes can occur in Arizona.
What To Do If You Receive a Title Alert
If you receive an alert, do not ignore it. Open the notification and use the county search tool to view the recorded document. Look for names, signatures, or legal descriptions that you do not recognize. If anything appears suspicious, contact a real estate attorney immediately. It is often possible to challenge or void a fraudulent recording before it disrupts financing, closing timelines, or lawful ownership rights.
Contact your title insurer as well if the new recording might interfere with a past or ongoing transaction. Report suspected fraud to the County Recorder and to law enforcement. Do not try to contact the suspected scammer yourself.
Responding right away can be the difference between a quick fix and months of litigation.
Why Alerts Alone Are Not Enough
Title alerts are powerful, but they do not replace the need for traditional protections. Homeowners should still rely on proper title insurance, professional title searches, reputable escrow services, and attorney review for unusual transactions. Think of title alerts as a first layer of defense.
For deeper insight into how fraudulent filings are challenged or reversed, readers can explore Gottlieb Law’s recent article on Arizona’s landmark foreclosure fraud lawsuit.
How Gottlieb Law Helps With Title Problems and Property Fraud
Real estate fraud moves quickly, and prompt legal action is essential. Gottlieb Law represents homeowners, buyers, investors, and businesses in disputes involving forged documents, fraudulent deeds, quiet title actions, escrow disputes, and multi party fraud schemes. If you receive a title alert, discover an unfamiliar recording, or suspect fraud of any kind, an early consultation can help you understand your options and prevent serious complications.
Final Thoughts on Title Fraud and Alerts
This recent case in Scottsdale shows how fast property fraud can unfold in Arizona. These title alerts are a straightforward way for any homeowner to safeguard their ownership. If you own property in Arizona, take a moment to register your property and name today. If anything looks unusual, the real estate attorneys at Gottlieb Law are here to help.
Call Gottlieb Law today at 602-899-8188 or use our Contact Us page here to schedule your initial consultation.
Gottlieb Law, PLC provides this article for informational purposes only. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship. Do not take action based on this article without consulting qualified legal counsel. Laws change, and only a licensed attorney can provide advice tailored to your specific situation.