Title Pirates Are Real: Guarding Against Deed Fraud in Texas

Vacant land and investment properties are prime targets

Scammers are forging deeds and selling property they don’t own. The rightful owner often doesn’t learn of the theft until a stranger claims ownership, and by then, the damage is done.

How the Scam Works

Impostors use stolen IDs, fake notaries, and forged deeds to record a fraudulent transfer. They then “sell” the property, often for cash and well below market value, before the real owner even realizes anything has happened.

This crime is sometimes called title piracy. Once a forged deed is recorded, it takes a court order to unwind the fraud. In the meantime, the scammer disappears with the buyer’s money, leaving everyone else to fight over the mess.

Warning Signs

• The “seller” refuses to meet in person or provide live ID verification.

• The tax mailing address is different from the property address.

• The asking price is unusually low, or there’s pressure for a quick sale.

These red flags don’t always prove fraud, but they should trigger deeper investigation before anyone wires a single dollar.

Protection Tips

• Check the chain of title. Review county records before listing or buying.

• Sign up for property-alert services. Many Texas counties now email or text owners when a document is filed on their property.

• Use title insurance and confirm notary credentials. A reputable title company will verify every signature and notarization.

New Legal Protections in Texas

Texas has just strengthened the fight against deed fraud. New state laws that took effect this month:

• Waive court filing fees for victims who challenge a fraudulent deed.

• Allow county clerks to reject suspicious deeds before they are recorded.

• Require property owners to be notified whenever a deed or similar document is filed against their property.

• Tighten notary standards to help prevent forged notarizations from being accepted.

These changes give property owners a clearer, faster path to reclaim their title and give county clerks more tools to stop fraudulent filings before they become a legal nightmare.

Title fraud is not a paperwork glitch, it’s theft. Treat every remote seller and every vacant parcel with suspicion until fully verified. With Texas’s new protections in place, property owners now have stronger defenses, but prevention still starts with vigilance and thorough due diligence.