El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office launching property fraud protection program

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office is launching a new program to protect homeowners from property fraud.

The property fraud and protection program comes at no cost to taxpayers and will alert you when anything is happening on your property.

The Clerk and Recorder's Office said there's an increase in mortgage and property fraud across the nation. Here in El Paso County, it's only a small percentage, but they say they're being proactive and implementing safeguards.

The issue is people are filing fraudulent deeds, mortgages, and other liens against property owners without knowing. They're trying to assume ownership of the property or apply for another loan under the current property owner's name.

El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker said he's seen three cases in El Paso County that have been investigated by Colorado Springs Police and the District Attorney's Office and prosecuted.

Schleiker said the largest concern is among senior citizens.

"Many of our seniors have worked very hard for their years and they target the seniors because there are no incumbrances upon the property which means they don’t have a mortgage, it’s a numbers game, they’re free and clear,"

There are several additional steps you as a property owner can take to prevent deed fraud:

• Check the Clerk and Recorder’s Recording website at www.epcrecords.com at least once a year to verify no deeds or mortgages have been recorded on your property without your consent. 
• Verify the El Paso County Assessor’s Office has the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property.
• Contact the El Paso County Assessor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office if you stop receiving your property notifications and tax bills.
• If your property is vacant, check it often to make sure it is not occupied illegally. Ask someone you trust to look after your home if you are going to be away for a long period of time.
• When a family member passes away and someone else inherits the property, make sure you update the deed with the new owner’s name.
• Discuss with your trusted family members before making any decisions that affect ownership of your property, such as adding or removing someone from a deed or taking out a new mortgage, reverse mortgage or second mortgage. If you feel it prudent, you may want to consult a lawyer.