A New Tool for REALTORS® to Help Protect Clients from Title Theft
Record Notification Services: A New Tool for REALTORS® to Help Protect Clients from Title Theft
With property fraud on the rise across Pennsylvania, REALTORS® are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines of an emerging problem: deed fraud and title theft. These crimes can derail sales, complicate closings, and create panic for unsuspecting homeowners.
Fortunately, a growing number of Pennsylvania counties are offering a simple, free solution that REALTORS® should know about and share with clients — Record Notification Services through county Recorder of Deeds offices.
The Growing Threat of Deed Fraud
In a typical deed fraud scheme, someone forges a homeowner’s signature on a deed, has it notarized, and records it at the county office. Once recorded, that fake deed looks legitimate in the public record and the fraudster may then try to sell the property or use it as collateral for a loan.
Because recording offices are required to accept any document that meets statutory form requirements, they aren’t verifying the legitimacy of the transaction. The result: property owners often don’t find out until much later, sometimes when they try to refinance or list their property for sale.
How Record Notification Services Work
To address this problem, many counties — including Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, and York — have rolled out Record Notification Services.
Here’s how they function:
- Homeowners (or their agents) register their name, business name, or parcel ID on the county Recorder’s website.
- Whenever a document, such as a deed, mortgage, or lien, is recorded under that name, the system automatically sends an email or text alert.
- The homeowner can immediately check whether the filing is legitimate and, if not, alert the Recorder’s office, law enforcement, or legal counsel.
It’s fast, free, and easy — and can be an invaluable early-warning system against fraud.
Why REALTORS® Should Care
For REALTORS®, these services represent both a client protection tool and a relationship builder.
- Educate clients: Buyers, sellers, and long-term homeowners often aren’t aware of these services. Letting them know about it demonstrates diligence and care beyond the transaction.
- Safeguard transactions: Early fraud detection can prevent major title complications that could delay or derail a closing.
- Protect your reputation: When you help clients avoid post-closing issues, it strengthens trust and positions you as a knowledgeable real estate professional.
- Stay ahead of the curve: Understanding local fraud prevention measures keeps REALTORS® informed about county-level recording policies — something clients increasingly expect.
How to Share This With Clients
When following up after a closing, sending a quick link to the county Recorder’s sign-up page can make this easy for your clients and leaves them with a lasting reminder of your professionalism.
Looking Ahead
As more counties implement these systems, REALTORS® have an opportunity to help drive awareness and reduce the impact of title fraud across Pennsylvania. Combined with sound title insurance and good recordkeeping, Record Notification Services are becoming an essential part of modern property protection.
Record Notification Services don’t just protect homeowners, they also protect REALTORS® from transaction disruptions and post-closing headaches. Sharing these tools is a small step that can make a big difference in your clients’ security and your professional reputation.
