Protect Your Property: Understanding Wayne County’s Fraud Guard System
As a property owner in Wayne County, Michigan, the security of your most valuable asset—your real estate—is paramount. Unfortunately, instances of real estate or deed fraud, where criminals illegally transfer or mortgage properties through forged deeds or documents, are a growing concern. The Wayne County Register of Deeds has implemented a crucial, free tool called Fraud Guard to assist property owners in monitoring their land records and proactively guard against property fraud. In this article, the Real Estate attorneys of Thompson Legal will explain how the Wayne County Fraud Guard system works, what steps to take if you receive an alert, and why working with a knowledgeable legal team is essential for protecting your property rights.
Please note that this post is not exhaustive, and every situation is unique. In the event that you have legal questions about working with a Real Estate Attorney, it's advisable to speak with a licensed attorney. Contact Thompson Legal to speak with a Michigan attorney today.
The Hidden Danger of Deed Fraud
Property fraud involves the illegal transfer of property ownership, or the placement of an illegal lien against a property, and it is often achieved by forging a homeowner’s signature on a deed or mortgage document. Since the deed recording process is designed for public record, it is possible for a fraudulent document to be recorded with the Wayne County Register of Deeds, creating a major cloud on your property’s title. This is particularly concerning for older adults, absentee owners, or those with rental properties, as they may not be checking their land records on a regular basis. In the past, the only way to catch such a change was through meticulous, periodic title searches, a process that is both costly and time-consuming. The rise in digital record-keeping, while efficient, has also presented new highly damaging scams, making proactive monitoring an absolute necessity for any prudent property or business owner.
How the Wayne County Fraud Guard System Works
The Wayne County Fraud Guard is a free, simple-to-use service offered by the Wayne County Register of Deeds, designed specifically to address the threat of property fraud. Fraud Guard is a streamlined, proactive notification system designed to alert property owners when certain documents bearing their name are recorded in the Wayne County Register of Deeds office. his notification is typically delivered via email, providing a crucial, timely alert that a change or action has been taken involving your name and a piece of real property. This vital service removes the burden of constant record searching from the property owner, and places the task on the county’s automated system, offering a modern defense against unauthorized property transfer or encumbrance.
The Registration and Alert Process
The process for utilizing Fraud Guard is remarkably straightforward, requiring only a simple registration:
Registration: You register your personal or company name with the Fraud Guard system.
Monitoring: The system continuously monitors newly recorded documents within the Register of Deeds office.
Notification: When a document (such as a deed, mortgage, lien, or discharge) is recorded that matches the registered name, the system automatically sends an email notification to the user.
Receiving a Fraud Guard alert does not necessarily mean fraud has occurred; it simply means a document containing your name has been officially recorded. However, it provides you with the immediate opportunity to review the document and verify its legitimacy, which is the most critical step in preventing property theft.
3. Taking Action: What to Do After Receiving a Fraud Guard Alert
If you receive an email alert from the Fraud Guard, it means a document has been recorded that contains your registered name. While not every alert signals fraud—it could be a legitimate transaction or document—it still requires immediate review. The Wayne County Register of Deeds provides three clear avenues for property owners to investigate the alerted document quickly:
Online Review: You can go to the Records Public Access system, register as a "new user," follow the prompts, and view the document in its entirety from the comfort of your home or office. This is the quickest way to confirm the nature of the document.
In-Person Assistance: If you prefer in-person assistance, you can visit the Wayne County Register of Deeds office at 400 Monroe, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI. Here, you can utilize their free kiosks to search the records, or have one of their expert Land Record Analysts assist you with your search.
Fraud Hotline: If your review of the document confirms your suspicion that fraud has been committed on your property, you should immediately call the Wayne County Fraud Hotline at (313) 224-5869. This connects you with the county’s dedicated Mortgage/Deed Fraud Unit.
After you receive an alert, assessing the accuracy and reliability of the materials is the sole responsibility of the user. It is advisable to conduct a personal investigation and contact a Real Estate Attorney for subsequent legal action if the document proves to be fraudulent.
4. The Role of Legal Counsel in Real Estate Fraud Cases
While Fraud Guard is an excellent preventative measure, it does not provide legal protection or resolve a fraudulent transaction after it has been recorded. It only provides a warning. If you discover a fraudulent deed or mortgage recorded against your property, consulting with a Real Estate Litigation attorney immediately is crucial.
Property fraud often necessitates quick and decisive legal action, particularly a specific type of lawsuit known as a Quiet Title lawsuit. A Quiet Title action is filed in court to establish a clear title to a piece of property, effectively clearing up the cloud created by the fraudulent document and affirming you as the legal owner. Legal counsel can guide you through the process of:
Investigating the Document: Determining the precise nature of the fraud and identifying the parties involved.
Filing a Complaint: Initiating the legal process to declare the fraudulent document void.
Protecting Your Rights: Arguing your case in court to ensure the fraudulent claim is removed from the property’s chain of title.
The team at Thompson Legal has extensive experience in Real Estate and Real Estate Litigation, providing the necessary expertise to restore your property rights following an attempted fraud.
Conclusion: Fortifying Your Property Defenses
The Wayne County Fraud Guard system is a valuable resource that every property owner should utilize to create an essential layer of protection against fraudulent property transfers. However, digital monitoring is just one part of a comprehensive strategy. Maintaining awareness of your property documents and having a relationship with a skilled Real Estate attorney are the best ways to fortify your defenses and ensure the security of your title. To discuss your property rights, file a Quiet Title action, or get assistance with any Real Estate Legal Services needs, please Contact Thompson Legal to schedule a consultation with a Michigan attorney today.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. In the event you would like to speak with a Real Estate Attorney, please Contact Thompson Legal at (734) 743-1646 to schedule a consultation.
