Home title fraud is real - but much of what you hear about “title lock services” are misleading.

Many homeowners believe they can simply “lock” their home’s title and be fully protected from fraud. Unfortunately, that’s not how property ownership works in Arizona—or anywhere else in the U.S.

This page explains, in plain English:

• What so-called “title lock services” really do

• What it does not do

• Why homes with no mortgage are the primary targets

• How to protect yourself for free

• What actually discourages criminals from targeting a property

No scare tactics. Just facts.

What they typically provide is:

1. Property record monitoring

They watch public county records and notify you after a document is recorded against your property.

2. Alerts and notifications

If someone records a deed, lien, or other document, you receive an alert so you can respond quickly.

3. Limited legal assistance or reimbursement

Some plans offer to help cover certain legal costs—often capped—if you need to respond, and may include help pursuing a quiet title lawsuit.

What they do NOT do

• They do not block fraudulent filings

• They do not prevent recording

• They do not guarantee instant resolution

• They do not stop identity theft

In simple terms:

Title lock products act like a smoke alarm, not a fireproof vault.

Smoke alarms are helpful—but they don’t stop the fire.

The good news: Alerts are available for FREE

One of the biggest selling points of paid title lock services is the alerts they provide.

What most homeowners don’t know is that all Arizona counties offer free recording alerts.

These alerts notify you if:

• A deed is recorded

• A lien is filed

• Ownership information changes

This gives you the same early warning that paid services promote—without monthly fees.

Early detection is critical. The faster you act, the easier it is to stop damage from spreading.

Why do criminals target certain homes

Home title fraud is not random.

Criminals overwhelmingly target:

• Homes with no mortgage

• Homes with very small loans

• Properties with high equity

• Vacant homes or rentals

• Homes owned by seniors or estates

• Absentee owners

Why?

Because equity is the prize.

A home with no loan is far more attractive than one with a large mortgage. Criminals look for properties where they believe they can create confusion, pressure, or attempt to extract value.

Homes with large loans already in place have:

• Less available equity

• More institutional oversight

• Higher risk of detection

That’s why free-and-clear homes are the most common targets.

What actually discourages home title fraud

There is no single “magic product” that prevents fraud—but layered protection works.

1. Free property record alerts (most important)

Get notified immediately if anything is recorded against your property.

2. Keep your mailing address current

Make sure tax bills, notices, HOA mail, and insurance correspondence reach you.

Many fraud cases escalate simply because the homeowner never sees warning signs.

3. Secure your identity

Title fraud often starts with identity theft.

• Freeze your credit

• Secure your email accounts

• Protect personal documents

4. Understand why loans deter criminals (but choose wisely)

This is often misunderstood, so let’s be clear.

Homes with no loan or very low loans are the primary targets.

Having a legitimate recorded loan reduces motivation because it:

• Reduces accessible equity

• Adds another party monitoring the property

• Makes quick fraud far more difficult

However, taking out a loan should never be done out of fear.

A loan is a financial decision—not a security product.

Loans that reduce fraud motivation (with important warnings)

Some homeowners choose to place a lien on their property for legitimate financial reasons, with deterrence as a side benefit.

Common options include:

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

• Creates a recorded lien

• Flexible access to funds

• Variable interest rates

• May have annual fees

Home Equity Loan

• Fixed payment structure

• Immediate interest on the full amount

• Closing costs apply

Cash-out Refinance

• Replaces existing mortgage or free-and-clear ownership

• Highest cost option

• Long-term interest expense

Reverse Mortgage (for eligible seniors)

• No monthly payments in many cases

• Complex and fee-heavy

• Requires careful evaluation

Important:
Borrowing money solely as “fraud protection” can be expensive and unnecessary. Loans should only be considered if they align with your broader financial goals.

What happens if fraud is recorded anyway?

Even fraudulent documents can create a cloud on title—a legal issue that must be cleared before selling or refinancing.

In some cases, this requires a quiet title lawsuit.

What is a quiet title action?

It is a court process that legally confirms who owns the property and removes invalid claims from public records.

Why it can be expensive

• Court filings

• Legal procedures

• Proper service of defendants

• Time and complexity

This is why early detection matters. The sooner fraud is caught, the easier and less costly it is to resolve.

What to do immediately if you receive an alert

If you are notified of a recording you did not authorize:

1. Do not ignore it

2. Contact a real estate attorney experienced in title issues or an HFDCP™ - Home Fraud Defense Certified Professional.

3. Contact a reputable title company for a complete title report

4. File a police report

5. Preserve all evidence

Fast action makes a major difference.

The bottom line for homeowners

Title fraud is real—but fear-based marketing often exaggerates solutions.

You cannot lock your title.
You can monitor it.
You can reduce your risk.
And you can do much of this for free.

The most effective protection is:

• Awareness

• Monitoring

• Early action

• Smart financial decisions

At HomeFraudDefense.org, our mission is education—not selling fear.

If you understand how fraud works, you are far less likely to become a victim.