Wildfire Risk and Homeowners Insurance in Rim Country
By Dennis Riccio, President, Central Arizona Association of REALTORS®
Deed fraud is becoming a more frequent threat across Arizona, and real estate professionals are often the first to spot the warning signs. As discussed in the recent CAAR article on title fraud, staying vigilant is critical not only for protecting our own transactions and liability, but also for safeguarding clients who rely on us for guidance.
This month, Pioneer Title in Payson shared several simple but effective tools that REALTORS® can use personally and recommend to homeowners. These steps are easy to implement and serve as an excellent first layer of defense for anyone concerned about fraudulent filings or unauthorized activity involving property records.
🔔 Encourage clients to sign up for Gila County’s free “Fraud Notify” system.
Every Gila County property owner can register to receive an alert any time a document is recorded in their name. This is one of the most effective early-detection tools available, and REALTORS® should consider signing up for their own properties as well.
Sign-up link: https://selfservice.gilacountyaz.gov/web/
🌐 Suggest Google Alerts for property addresses.
A Google Alert will notify the owner (and you, if you choose to monitor for your clients) when the address appears online, such as in an unexpected listing or advertisement. This is particularly helpful for vacant land, second homes, or investment properties.
🏠 Advise clients to claim their property on Zillow.
Claiming ownership on Zillow helps prevent unauthorized changes to a property’s online profile and allows owners to receive notifications if anything unusual occurs. It’s a quick, added safeguard that many clients are not aware of.
These tools can help owners identify suspicious activity quickly, long before a fraudulent deed or impersonated listing has the chance to create serious harm. REALTORS® and brokers are in a unique position to educate clients about risks and prevention, especially those who own vacant parcels or out-of-state properties.
We thank Pioneer Title in Payson for sharing these practical recommendations and for their continued partnership with the REALTOR® community. By taking proactive measures ourselves and passing these tips along to clients, we strengthen the integrity of real estate transactions and help keep Gila County property owners safe.
If you have questions about deed fraud prevention or best practices for protecting your clients, please reach out. Staying informed and sharing knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have.
If you suspect deed fraud, stop the transaction and contact your title company immediately.
Interested in what CAAR does and how you can get involved? Contact us below to talk to our team.