News Summary
Cuyahoga County is set to implement a two-factor authentication system for recorded documents to combat property fraud. Developed by Neumo, the software alerts property owners when documents are filed using their information, allowing them to confirm authorization instantly. This move aims to enhance security against fraudulent transfers, which have been on the rise. The initiative also includes regulations to address quitclaim deed scams that have targeted abandoned properties, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
Cleveland, Ohio – Cuyahoga County is set to become the first county in the U.S. to implement two-factor authentication software for recorded documents, a measure designed to prevent fraudulent property transfers. This new initiative, which is scheduled for rollout early next year, represents a significant step forward in combating the increasing incidence of property fraud.
The software has been developed by Neumo, a government software company, and will allow property owners to register for immediate notifications in the event that documents are filed using their name or personal information. Property owners will be prompted to confirm whether they authorized the documents presented, offering a direct line of defense against unauthorized transactions.
Currently, many counties in Ohio provide free property alerts that notify homeowners if their properties are transferred on the same day. However, the new software aims to enhance this service by allowing property owners to instantly reject any unauthorized property transfer attempts, further bolstering their security.
The necessity for such measures has emerged as property fraud continues to rise, driven by the ease of online recording processes and the accessibility of forged notarization tools. Recent cases, particularly in Cuyahoga County, highlight the severity of the issue. For instance, there was a case where the signature of a deceased individual was forged to sell their home, illustrating the lengths to which fraudsters will go.
Among those affected is Tangie Harris, who is currently fighting to reclaim her family’s home after it was fraudulently sold following her mother’s death in 2014. The property has since been acquired by Happy Home Hunters LLC, a company linked to a suspect named Michael Prince. Prince is wanted by authorities after failing to appear for sentencing and has been implicated in the theft of 19 properties throughout the county.
The fraudulent transactions often rely on forged notarized documents that lack proper verification, creating a loophole for scammers. In response to the growing threat, Cuyahoga County officials are actively pursuing stricter regulations aimed at reducing quitclaim deed scams, which frequently target abandoned or distressed properties.
As part of their broad strategy, the county has also introduced a property alert system that is intended to provide homeowners with early warnings about any alterations to their property records. Discussions are ongoing regarding new proposed regulations connected to delinquent taxes and document submission standards, which may be implemented as soon as next month.
Experts in the field underscore the importance of property alert systems in protecting homeowners from property theft. Many counties offer these systems for free, which can serve as a crucial tool for individuals looking to safeguard their assets.
Victims of fraudulent deed transfers, like Dr. Maria Armstrong, often find themselves caught in legal limbo as they endeavor to retrieve their properties. Such experiences emphasize the critical importance of ensuring robust protections against property fraud.
As Cuyahoga County moves forward with this pioneering two-factor authentication software, the hope is that it will set a precedent for other regions across the country, ultimately leading to enhanced security for property owners nationwide.
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Additional Resources
- News 5 Cleveland: Cuyahoga County Unveils New Software to Combat Deed Fraud
- Wikipedia: Deed Fraud
- News 5 Cleveland: Cleveland Woman’s Home Fraudulently Sold
- Google Search: Property Fraud Statistics
- Cleveland.com: Cuyahoga County’s New Transfer Requirements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Property Law
- The Dispatch: Ohio Car Dealership Lawsuit
- Google News: Property Fraud in Cuyahoga County
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