Tuesday, December 10, 2024
On Sept. 12, Coryell County Clerk’s Office implemented a property fraud alert system that will help with the ever-growing property fraud that is sweeping across the nation.
This is a free service provided by Coryell County Clerk, Jennifer Newton, through EDOC Technologies Inc., with the goal of reducing fraudulently recorded documents that could affect property ownership.
“We did this so that property owners could go in and sign up with their name, address, phone number, or email address, and then if anyone files a document in your name, it will send you a text or email letting you know. It really gives you an advantage if someone files [fraudulent documents],” Newton said.
When signing up, it is important to ensure that your contact information is accurate and current. If your name, cell phone number, or email address changes, please register again.
“I do believe that if we can continue to spread the word, we will have more people sign up. I highly encourage everyone to protect their most precious asset by signing up for this program. It is a completely free program for the citizens, and it only takes about two minutes to sign up for it. I also encourage people to sign up with a cell phone number and an email address. If anyone needs help signing up, we will gladly sign them up in the office. Don't wait until it's too late-sign up today and secure your property,” Newton said.
As of today, Newton reported that a little over 400 property owners in Coryell County have already signed up for the system.
Regarding property fraud, she said, “It’s only happened once here, but it’s becoming a huge problem. Dallas has been hit hard and Travis County. There was a man in Dallas that did this seven times before they caught him – he would transfer titles into his name, do an online notary, file it into the records, sell the home, went through closing and everything. When the buyers took possession (of the home) they found out it wasn’t valid. Then it turns into a court battle to get the property re-established to the original owner.”
“I knew property fraud was out there, but I didn’t realize until recently just how bad it has become. I am trying to stay ahead of this ongoing issue and provide as much protection for the citizens of Coryell County that I possibly can,” she said
To sign up for this service, property owners will need to visit the county website at coryellcountyclerk.com and click on “Property Fraud.”
