Home title theft can have dire consequences – but fortunately, homeowners can take several measures to protect themselves.
1. Get Title Insurance
Title insurance comes in two forms: lenders and homeowners. When purchasing a home, the lender will typically require you to obtain title insurance to ensure that there are no liens on the property. Title insurance guarantees the legitimacy of the sale and reimburses the lender if any issues arise. Homeowners title insurance safeguards you against unforeseen liens or financial claims that may arise after buying the property. If such circumstances arise, your policy will cover legal expenses and defend your right to stay in your home. It provides protection against fraudulent claims that may threaten your homeownership.
2. Keep Track of Your Mail
Maintaining vigilance over mail, particularly utility bills and bank correspondences, is crucial. In New York City, you can subscribe to a service offered by USPS, which notifies you via email about the expected mail: https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm.This can aid in safeguarding against mail theft. Additionally, due to the surge in mail theft, it is advisable to opt for paperless communication and receive statements or correspondences via email. Most major banks offer this option to their customers.
3. Check Your Credit Report Routinely
Checking your credit report periodically is another proactive approach to make sure no one is using your credit fraudulently. If there is any unauthorized charges or a significant drop in your score, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.
4. Stay Informed About Deceptive Schemes
By comprehending and recognizing prevalent scams that target homeowners, you can protect yourself from theft. Some examples of scams include scammers impersonating real estate agents or lenders to execute fraudulent transactions or identity theft. Older homeowners may fall victim to reverse mortgage scams, resulting in insurmountable debt. Moreover, if a deal or interest rate for a home seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often entice unsuspecting homeowners with unbelievable offers to obtain their personal and financial information.
