Real Time Property Fraud Protection
PropertyCheck™ by Cott Systems is an enhancement for our systems management software that alerts your constituents when records with matching vitals are recorded. With a simple opt-in and personalized alert creation, your users access this additional layer of protection against property fraud. PropertyCheck works seamlessly in the background and will go unnoticed until an alert is triggered.
Trumbull, CT is fighting back against property fraud by offering PropertyCheck by Cott Systems
Mary Markham, town clerk, announced today… read more >>
County recorder’s office announces PropertyCheck service
Columbiana County property owners now have access… read more >>
Old Lyme Residents Can Now Register to Receive Alerts if Property Details Recorded Fraudulently
Last Week Old Lyme Town Clerk Vicki Urbowicz announced… read more >>
What is Property Fraud?
Property fraud can occur if someone forges your identity, transfers your property into their name, and officially records the document. This fraudulent activity can make it appear as if that person owns your home or property, and you may not have any idea that this happened! It is becoming more prevalent today as cyber criminals exploit every avenue they can to cause harm and steal from everyday citizens. It’s unfortunately something that does happen, and incidents are on the rise.
There was a recent case in Connecticut, where a Long Island NY man, who owned plot of land adjacent to his former childhood home, had it stolen without his knowledge via an offshore operation. And in New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul just signed a new piece of legislation to put in place broader abilities allowing prosecutors to invalidate fraudulent sale and loan documents. With online access to land and deed information from anywhere, and by anyone, this kind of crime is becoming a popular target of criminals.
Cott Systems developed PropertyCheck™ in an invigorated effort to combat property and mortgage fraud in your community. This 24/7 service allows residents to sign up with their local Recorder’s office and receive notifications when official documents are recorded on their property. Residents can activate alerts based on their name, property address, or parcel number. PropertyCheck™ works seamlessly in the background of your records management software, automatically alerting your constituents, in real time, once a document matching their specified name or address is recorded. All your constituents have to do is opt-in, create alerts for their name and property address (where applicable), and choose their preference of alerts – email or text message. As the recorder, you also can check reporting to see the level of opt-in you are receiving. Cott Systems has also developed a full publicity kit for you to utilize to publicize this program to your constituents and create awareness and increased opt-in participation.
Pro tip: Set up multiple alerts based on first, middle and last name variations and your spouse’s name, to be sure that an alert will be triggered in case a recording happens with some kind of slight variation.