How Mortgage Fraud happens and how to protect it

Tips and tricks from one of Miami's most knowledgeable and hottest real estate attorneys on preventing Title theft, mortgage fraud, deed theft, from one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in America today:
Gotham Investigations Investigates.
In a quiet street, Maya discovered a notice recorded at the county recorder: someone else appeared to own her home. A forged signature on a deed and a rushed closing had slipped through, and a new owner now claimed Maya’s address as theirs. She didn’t panic—she called a local real estate attorney. The lawyer explained that title theft often starts with stolen personal information used to forge documents and slip past title and recording offices, and that the remedy is to act carefully and through proper channels. Together, they ordered a fresh title search, notified the title insurer, and contacted the county recorder to pause further changes while they prepared a corrected deed. Through the attorney’s guidance, they secured the true ownership, worked with the lender to halt any unauthorized refinancing, and began the process to re-record the rightful title. Maya learned that title insurance could cover the costs of defending her ownership, and that having a real estate lawyer at every step turned a frightening crisis into a manageable restoration of her home.

Why legal counsel matters
Real estate transactions involve complex documents, numerous disclosures, and jurisdiction-specific rules. A qualified real estate attorney helps you:
- Review and interpret contracts, title reports, and disclosures to spot hidden risks (undisclosed liens, gaps in the chain of title, boundary or easement issues).
- Safely coordinate with title companies, lenders, and recording offices to prevent and correct errors.
- Guide you through closing, escrow, and post-closing steps, and advise on curative actions if problems arise.

If you see suspicious activity regarding your home title
- Do not sign anything or ignore unusual notices. Contact a licensed real estate attorney right away.
- Obtain and review your title records: request a copy of the current deed and the chain of title from the county recorder or the title company.
- Notify your mortgage lender immediately if you have a loan on the property.
- Contact your title insurer (or the title company involved) to report possible fraud and to start a claim if applicable.
- Protect yourself with identity safeguards: place a fraud alert with major credit bureaus and consider a credit freeze to limit new accounts in your name.
- File a police report and an identity-theft/consumer protection complaint (e.g., with your local law enforcement and the FTC in the U.S.).
- Keep meticulous records: dates, names, phone calls, and copies of documents.
- Work with your attorney to take appropriate corrective actions (e.g., filing a corrected deed, notifying the recorder, and coordinating with the lender) to restore or protect your title.
- If available in your area, inquire about monitoring services or alerts for public-record changes to your property. 
Attorney Natalie Zagury, Real Estate Law, Zagury Scott PA 
11601 Biscayne Blvd Miami, Florida 33181 305-428-3823
natalie@zaguryscottpa.com
https://zaguryscottpa.com
Jeffrey Giordano 
250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127 
305-710-5222
#Jeffreygiordano Jeffrey Giordano Gotham Investigation Links: 
 Our website https://www.gothaminvestigations.us 
* Reach us: jgiordano@giordano4sheriff.com * Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations
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