Ohio Deed Fraud Protection Law

A Growing Threat to Ohio Property Owners
Deed fraud, sometimes called title theft or house stealing, occurs when a criminal forges documents to fraudulently transfer ownership of a property, often without the real owner ever knowing until it's too late. This type of fraud has been rising nationally, and Ohio lawmakers have taken notice. Ohio REALTORS recently helped introduce House Bill 749, legislation specifically designed to give property owners new tools to prevent and detect this type of theft.

How Deed Fraud Typically Happens
Deed fraud schemes often target vacant properties, rental homes, inherited properties, or homes owned by elderly or absent owners. A fraudster forges the owner's signature on a deed, sometimes using a fake notarization, and records the fraudulent document with the county recorder's office. Once recorded, the criminal may attempt to sell the property, take out a loan against it, or rent it out to unsuspecting tenants.
• Vacant or unoccupied homes are especially vulnerable
• Inherited properties without an active owner monitoring them are common targets
• Fraudulent deeds can be filed with little scrutiny at the point of recording
• Victims often don't discover the fraud until they try to sell, refinance, or receive a tax notice

What House Bill 749 Proposes
House Bill 749 would allow property owners to place a freeze on their deed through their county auditor's office, creating an alert system that notifies the owner if any document affecting their property is recorded. The bill would also require real estate licensees to receive training on deed fraud prevention and best practices for spotting red flags during a transaction.
• Property owners could request a deed freeze or monitoring alert through the county auditor
• Real estate licensees would be required to complete deed fraud prevention training
• The bill aims to add a layer of detection before a fraudulent transfer is finalized

Protecting Your Property Right Now
Even before this legislation takes effect, Ohio property owners, especially those who own rental properties, vacant land, or inherited homes, can take steps to protect themselves from deed fraud.
• Check your county recorder's website periodically for any new filings against your property
• Ask about title monitoring services offered by some title companies
• Keep property records organized, especially for inherited or out-of-state property
• Purchase an owner's title insurance policy, which can provide protection and legal defense if a fraudulent claim arises

How Title Insurance and a Trusted Title Company Help
A thorough title search at the time of purchase and an owner's title insurance policy remain two of the strongest protections against title-related fraud and defects. Working with an experienced Ohio title company means having a knowledgeable partner watching for red flags during every transaction, not just at closing.

Where House Bill 749 Stands in the Legislative Process
As with any proposed legislation, House Bill 749 must move through committee review, hearings, and votes in both the Ohio House and Senate before it can become law, and the exact language and requirements could change along the way. Property owners and real estate professionals should watch for updates as the bill progresses, since the final version may include additional protections or requirements beyond what was originally introduced.