Protecting Against Deed Fraud in Arizona: What REALTORS® and Brokers Need to Know

blog

Protecting Against Deed Fraud in Arizona: What REALTORS® and Brokers Need to Know

By Dennis Riccio, President, Central Arizona Association of REALTORS®

Deed fraud, also known as title theft or home title fraud, is a fast-growing threat in the real estate world. It refers to schemes where someone illegally transfers or claims ownership of a property without the true owner’s consent or knowledge[1]. Criminals may forge deeds, use fake IDs, or impersonate owners to either record a phony property transfer or even list and sell someone else’s property[1]. As real estate professionals in Arizona, we are unfortunately seeing more of these scams close to home. In fact, attempts to commit deed fraud have become increasingly pervasive in Arizona[2] , including right here in Gila County. In my role as President of the Central Arizona Association of REALTORS®, I want to shed light on how these frauds operate, how to spot warning signs, and what steps we as brokers and agents can take to protect our clients, our communities, and ourselves.

Common Forms of Deed Fraud (and Arizona Examples)

1. Forging or Recording False Deeds: Many scammers simply forge a deed (or other ownership document) transferring a property to themselves or a third party, then record it with the county recorder. By getting a fraudulent deed on record, they create a false appearance of ownership[3]. The criminal might then attempt to mortgage or sell the property. Arizona law already makes it illegal to file forged or groundless documents claiming property, but until recently it was only a class 1 misdemeanor offense[4] (punishable by up to 6 months jail) – a low penalty given the severity of the crime. A 2025 bill (SB 1310) would have elevated this to a felony, but it was vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs, who argued the bill alone “doesn’t fix” the title fraud problem[4]. (More on Arizona’s legislative efforts shortly.)

2. Impersonating Owners to Sell Property: An increasingly common scheme targets vacant land or second homes. Scammers research properties that are vacant, often owned long-term by out-of-state owners, and then impersonate the owners to list and sell those properties. We’ve seen this in our own backyard. Right here in Payson, AZ, for example, a local agent was contacted by someone claiming to own an empty lot there and wanting to sell quickly[5]. The “seller” knew details about the parcel (easy to find via public records) and communicated only via email, insisting on a fast cash sale. Sensing something was off, the Realtor dug into Gila County records and saw the email name didn’t match the actual owner on title[6]. She ultimately halted the interaction, suspecting fraud, and she was right. In fact, Payson police report that two such fraud attempts occurred in just two weeks last year[7]. In one case, the scammers nearly succeeded: the fraudulent sale made it all the way to closing day before red flags (the “seller” refused to meet the notary or pick a bank for the proceeds) caused the title company to investigate. They discovered the real owner had no idea his land was being sold, and the transaction was canceled at the last minute[7]. This kind of “vacant lot impersonation” scam has been surging across Arizona, not just in Payson[2]. The Arizona Association of REALTORS® warns that fraudsters are aggressively impersonating landowners and contacting agents to put land on the market under false identities[2].

3. Equity Theft & Owner Deception: Not all deed fraud is done behind an owner’s back; some schemes trick the owner into signing documents that unknowingly give away their property. These often target vulnerable homeowners – for example, those in financial distress or facing foreclosure. A recent case sued by Arizona’s Attorney General describes an “equity-stripping” scam: fraudsters would swarm homeowners about to lose their house, pretend to offer rescue help or even pose as a charity, and then get the desperate owner to sign papers that transferred the deed for a fraction of the home’s value[8][9]. The scammers in that case allegedly used fake charitable names (“Arizona’s Helping Hands”), high-pressure tactics, and even filed bogus bankruptcies to delay foreclosure while they flipped the homes for profit[10][8]. In short, they tricked people into signing away their homes. Title companies and notaries were roped in to make it look legitimate, even when transactions made little sense (homes sold far below market value, rapid re-sales between shell companies, etc.)[11]. This is a reminder that deed fraud can also occur through deceit, not just outright forgery.

4. Squatting and Title Theft: In rarer but headline-grabbing cases, criminals have even taken over houses and sold them by pretending to be the rightful owners. In one Phoenix incident, a couple of squatters literally moved into a vacant home, assumed the identity of the owners, and succeeded in selling the house before being caught[12]. The actual homeowner was shocked: “They actually moved in, posed as me, and sold my house,” she told reporters[12]. While occupied homes are less frequently targeted (one national survey found only ~12% of title fraud cases involve owner-occupied homes[13]), these cases do happen – and they underscore how brazen these fraudsters can be.
As these examples show, Arizona is not immune to deed fraud. In fact, one large Arizona county’s recorder office recently reviewed a single week of property transfers and found about a dozen were possibly fraudulent filings[14] – a shocking discovery. Criminals target vacant land, second homes, or vulnerable owners and exploit our system’s openness (anyone can record a deed with a county recorder with minimal scrutiny). It’s on us, as real estate professionals, to serve as a first line of defense.

Red Flags: How to Spot Suspicious Seller Activity

Fortunately, there are telltale warning signs that a “seller” might not be legitimate. Here are some red flags REALTORS® and brokers should watch for, based on recent fraud cases and guidance from the Arizona Association of REALTORS®:

Vacant, Unencumbered Land: The property for sale is vacant land or an unused lot, often owned free-and-clear (no mortgage). Fraudsters prefer vacant parcels – especially those owned for many years by the same person – because it’s less likely the real owner or neighbors will notice a sudden sale[15]. If your listing prospect is an empty lot or vacation property, be on alert.
Remote, Non-Local Owner: The purported seller claims to be out of the area (often out of state or even out of the country) and cannot meet in person. They might give a plausible story (e.g. an urgent family matter abroad) but will avoid any face-to-face interaction[16]. They often refuse video calls as well. Only communicating via email or phone and never appearing live is a major red flag[17].
Rush to Sell & Below Market Price: The seller is in a rush to close, they push for a quick sale, sometimes saying they “need cash fast” for some urgent reason[18]. They may list the property below market value to attract a cash buyer quickly[19]. The story might tug at heartstrings (e.g. needing to sell land fast to pay for a family emergency). Any combination of urgency plus an unusually low price warrants caution.
Cash-Only, No Local Bank: The seller insists on a cash-only transaction. They may not want any financing involved (perhaps to avoid lender due diligence). In one Payson case, the fake seller had not even picked a bank for receiving sale proceeds on closing day, which raised suspicions[7]. A legitimate seller usually has a plan for their funds.
Email-Only Communication & Odd Details: The person reaches out via email (often a random Gmail/Yahoo address not matching the owner’s name) and avoids giving a physical address or proper contact info[17]. If asked how they found you, their answer is vague. They may also provide documents notarized overseas or use a power of attorney claiming someone else can sign for them[20] – all without a good explanation.
Identity Mismatch: Simple but critical – check the county records for the owner of record. If the name of the person contacting you (or their ID) doesn’t exactly match the property’s actual owner, alarm bells should ring. In the Payson scam, the Realtor compared the names and immediately saw a mismatch[6]. Also, if an owner’s ID seems off (e.g. foreign passport for a domestic owner, or the photo doesn’t resemble the person you’ve spoken with), it’s likely fraudulent.

Any one of these factors alone might be explainable, but multiple red flags together are usually a sign of trouble. As Arizona REALTORS® General Counsel Nikki Salgat advises: above all, “Listen to your gut”[21]. If something feels off about a seller or transaction, it probably is.

Preventative Measures for Agents and Brokers

Being proactive is key to stopping deed fraud before it victimizes your clients or your brokerage. What can agents and brokers do to prevent these schemes? Industry experts and law enforcement recommend several best practices:

Verify Seller Identity Rigorously: Don’t hesitate to ask for identification early and verify it. Request a copy of the seller’s driver’s license or ID[22]. Ensure the name matches county records exactly. Be wary if a seller is reluctant to provide ID or claims they only have foreign IDs not recognized here.
Insist on Face-to-Face or Video Meeting: If the seller is remote, ask to meet via video conference (Zoom/Skype) or a similar platform[23]. A fraudster will often refuse a video call (since they aren’t the real owner and may not resemble them). Legitimate distant owners should be willing to have a face-to-face conversation online. This also lets you see if they match their ID.
Question Unusual Stories: Politely but firmly ask the seller how they found you or who referred them, especially if you’ve never met[23]. Inquire about the property’s history: “When did you purchase it? What were your plans for it?”[24] A real owner knows these details; a scammer might stumble or give vague answers. Also ask why they need a quick sale. If the story (urgent medical bills, etc.) feels contrived or the seller gets defensive, be cautious.
Use Public Records and Google: Leverage online tools. Check the County Assessor’s website for the owner’s listed mailing address and compare it to what the seller tells you[25]. Look up property tax records – who has been paying the taxes, and where are those bills sent?[25] If, say, the taxes were paid by someone in Texas but your “seller” claims to live in London, that’s a discrepancy worth probing. Simply googling the owner’s name or the property can also turn up prior listings, obituaries, or other info to cross-check the seller’s story.
Watch for Power of Attorney or Notary Irregularities: If the seller is using a Power of Attorney (POA), scrutinize it. Confirm the POA with the purported principal by contacting them independently. And if documents are notarized out-of-state or abroad, verify the notary. For example, if someone says their deed was notarized at a U.S. embassy overseas, you can actually contact that embassy/consulate to confirm that the notary is legit[26]. Genuine sellers won’t mind you double-checking; fraudsters will.
Use Your Brokerage’s Resources: Inform your broker/manager if anything seems fishy. They may have encountered similar scams or can help validate the seller. Many brokerages now circulate fraud alerts about these vacant land schemes. Don’t keep concerns to yourself, escalate them and potentially halt the listing until verified.
Contract Contingencies: If you do go under contract and later suspect fraud, remember you can work with the title company to delay closing until things check out. For instance, insist on in-person notarization of closing documents when possible. In one Payson case, the deal unraveled when the scammer refused to meet the notary, a requirement that helped expose the fraud[7]. So, having a policy that sellers must personally appear for notarization (or at a trustworthy escrow office) can deter anonymous fraudsters.
Encourage Owner Monitoring: For your existing clients (past and present owners), encourage them to use property alert services (discussed more below). Prevention isn’t just on the agent, homeowners can help protect themselves by keeping an eye on their title. Many counties, including Gila County, offer free Fraud Alert programs that email you whenever a document is recorded in your name[27]. Making sure your clients know about these tools is a valuable service we can provide.

In summary: due diligence and a healthy skepticism are your best tools. As one AAR legal article put it, real estate licensees truly are the “first line of defense” against these frauds[28]. It may add a bit more work upfront, but that is far better than facilitating a fraudulent sale that could cost an innocent homeowner their property (and land you in a nightmare of liability and reputation damage).

What to Do If You Encounter or Suspect Deed Fraud

Despite our best efforts, you might still encounter a situation that just doesn’t pass the smell test. Perhaps you have a seller in front of you who you strongly suspect is an impersonator, or you discover after a closing that a deed was forged. What should an agent or broker do if faced with a potential deed fraud?

Do Not Proceed to Closing: First and foremost, if a transaction is underway, pump the brakes. Inform the escrow/title company handling the closing of your concerns immediately. They can freeze disbursing funds and involve their fraud unit. It’s far easier to stop a suspicious sale than to unwind a fraudulent transfer after the fact. If you’re an agent, loop in your broker/manager right away as well – brokerage leadership should be apprised.
Verify the True Owner’s Status: If possible, contact the real owner. For example, in the Payson case the title company actually reached out to the true owner on record when fraud was suspected, and confirmed he was not selling[29]. If you have any way to politely contact the person listed in county records (say, send a letter or look up a phone number) to ask if they really intended to sell, that can quickly validate your suspicions. Do this carefully and perhaps with guidance from your broker or legal counsel, but it can stop a crime in progress.
Notify Law Enforcement and Authorities: Report it. Many agents’ first call is to their local police or sheriff’s property crimes unit. Provide any emails or documents the scammer gave you. In Payson, for instance, the police were already tracking similar realtor reports, which helped them piece together a pattern[7]. Also, contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Consumer Fraud section[30], they monitor real estate fraud issues statewide. The AG’s office encourages reports of deed fraud and even has an online complaint form for scams. Another avenue is the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)[30], especially if correspondence happened via email or the scammer is overseas. The FBI and federal prosecutors have pursued several title fraud cases (they often involve mail or wire fraud, identity theft, etc., which are federal crimes). You can also file a report with the FTC’s fraud center[30], which logs identity theft complaints.
Document Everything: Save all emails, texts, voicemails, documents, and IDs involved in the suspicious transaction. This will be evidence for investigators. Write down your own chronology of what happened and who said what. Your records might help catch the perpetrators and will also protect you by showing you acted responsibly.
Educate and Assist the Victim: In some scenarios, you might discover deed fraud after it has occurred (for example, a client finds a stranger’s name on their property deed). If a homeowner client approaches you with such an issue, advise them that time is of the essence. In Arizona, a fraudulent deed must be challenged in court quickly. Alarmingly, a recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling (Dominguez v. Hon. Pima County, 2023) held that if an owner doesn’t take action within 5 years to void a forged deed, they could lose their property without recourse[31]. In other words, Arizona’s law puts the onus on owners to catch and correct title fraud in a timely manner, or a scammer could potentially gain clear title after that statutory period. So, encourage any victim to contact a real estate attorney immediately to file a court action (like a quiet title lawsuit) to invalidate fraudulent documents. Arizona law (A.R.S. §33-420) allows owners to sue to clear fraudulent claims on title[32], and they may recover damages. But the sooner they act, the better.
Stay Communicated but Safe: If you are in active communication with a suspected fraudster (e.g., they don’t know you’re onto them yet), you might politely disengage by saying plans have changed or simply stop responding. Let law enforcement advise if they want you to keep the scammer “on the hook” for a possible sting. Do not confront the suspect aggressively or in person; some of these criminals could be dangerous. Let the authorities handle any interaction once you’ve reported it.

Finally, know that by speaking up and reporting an incident, you could be preventing future crimes. Many of these scammers hit multiple targets, for instance, the Payson fraudsters had attempted at least two listings[7]. Your report helps build the case to stop them.

Arizona’s Initiatives: Alerts and Laws to Combat Deed Fraud

Deed fraud has risen on the radar of Arizona officials in recent years, prompting both legislative and practical responses. Here are some key Arizona-specific developments every broker and agent should be aware of:

County Recorder Alert Systems (Property Fraud Alerts): Perhaps the most practical defense Arizona has implemented is a requirement that each county offer a recorded document alert system for property owners. In 2023, Arizona passed SB 1110, a law mandating that all 15 counties establish a system (by January 1, 2025) to notify owners when a deed, lien, or similar document is recorded against their property[33][34]. These are opt-in programs, owners must sign up and provide their name or parcel info – but they are free and can send alerts by email, text, or phone whenever something is recorded in your name[35][34]. Several counties had such programs already (Pinal and Yavapai were early adopters[36]), and others have since rolled them out.

Gila County now offers a “Fraud Notify” service for its residents. You or your clients can register your name through the Gila County Recorder’s website to get an email anytime a document with your name is recorded[27]. It’s simple and free – essentially an early warning system in case someone files a fake deed. I have personally registered for Gila County’s alerts, and I encourage all our members to do the same for any properties you own and to suggest it to your clients as a value-added safety tip. (Many Arizona recorders call it Property Fraud Alert, Title Alert, or similar; regardless of name, they serve the same purpose. A full list of all Arizona county alert program links is maintained by some law firms[37][38], and the Gila County Recorder’s Office can direct folks on how to sign up.)
These alert systems are a direct result of our state recognizing the threat of title fraud. They won’t prevent a fraudulent deed from being recorded (nothing stops the initial recording), but they greatly increase the chance of catching it quickly so the owner can take action. Given the court ruling about the 5-year window to contest a fraud, timely knowledge is critical[31]. As REALTORS®, spreading the word about property fraud alert services is a concrete way we can help curb the damage from deed fraud.

Stronger Penalties (Proposed and Vetoed): As mentioned earlier, Arizona legislators attempted to beef up the penalties for deed fraud in 2025. SB 1310 was a bipartisan bill that would have made the knowing filing of a false deed or other claim to real estate a Class 4 felony (currently it’s treated as a mere misdemeanor)[4]. The idea was to add teeth to the law and deter “dirty deeds” by making the punishment more fitting to the crime (a Class 4 felony can carry 2.5 years in prison for a first offense, versus no jail for a misdemeanor). The bill passed the legislature with broad support[4]. However, Governor Hobbs vetoed SB 1310 in May 2025, stating in her veto letter that while she “takes home title fraud seriously,” simply increasing penalties “doesn’t fix” the core problem[39]. She pointed to other solutions already in motion – notably the alert system law (SB 1110) she had signed in 2023 – as more directly addressing prevention[40]. The veto was controversial; some felt it removed a tool to punish scammers. It’s possible we’ll see new attempts to criminalize deed fraud more harshly in future legislative sessions. For now, though, Arizona relies on existing fraud, forgery, and theft statutes to prosecute these cases (often as white-collar crime). As real estate advocates, we can continue to support sensible laws that protect property owners, but we also must work with the tools we have in the meantime.
Court Decisions – The “Dominguez” Case: A notable Arizona Supreme Court decision in 2023 (often referred to as the Dominguez case) sent shock waves through the real estate and legal community. The court essentially ruled that a fraudulent deed, if left unchallenged for a certain period, could divest the true owner of their property[31]. In that case, an owner discovered a title defect more than 5 years after the fact, and the court held that Arizona’s statute of limitations barred them from reclaiming their home[31]. In plainer terms: Arizona law places the burden on owners to monitor and timely address anything filed against their property. This ruling underscores why those county alert systems are so important, and why owners (and those of us assisting them) must stay vigilant. It also has led to discussions about legislative reform, possibly extending the time to contest a fraudulent deed or creating exceptions for true fraud. As of now, however, the law stands. So, if you hear of any client or colleague dealing with a forged deed, urge them to seek legal help immediately. The clock might be ticking.

In summary, Arizona has recognized the deed fraud issue and is taking steps – free alert systems for early detection, and (hopefully) in the future, stronger laws to punish offenders. Our state’s leaders have encouraged a focus on preventing these scams before they happen or before it’s too late, rather than only punishing them after the fact[41][31]. As real estate professionals on the ground, we play a critical role in that prevention effort.

Broader Efforts Nationwide: A United Front Against Deed Fraud

Arizona is not alone in battling deed fraud. Across the country, lawmakers and industry groups are ramping up efforts as this crime spreads. Here are a few notable national developments:

Federal Action – The GOOD DEED Act: In Congress, lawmakers have introduced the Good Documentation and Enforcement of Estate Deeds Act, cleverly nicknamed the Good DEED Act. This bipartisan bill (sponsored by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri and Rep. Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania) aims to create a federal framework to combat deed fraud[42]. Notably, it would establish a $10 million annual grant program under HUD to help states and localities fund deed fraud prevention, detection, and prosecution efforts[43]. It also pushes states to tighten their recording requirements – for example, by requiring recorders to collect identifying information (fingerprints, photos, etc.) from people filing deeds[44]. The Good DEED Act would even define “deed fraud” at a federal level and direct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to impose tougher penalties for it[45]. It further calls on the FBI to start tracking deed fraud in national crime statistics[46] (currently it can be hard to quantify because it’s not a distinct category in many crime databases). Industry groups like the American Land Title Association (ALTA) have thrown support behind this bill[47]. While as of this writing the Good DEED Act has not yet become law, its introduction alone shows that Washington is taking this seriously. We may see pieces of it adopted through grants or policy changes in the near future.
State Spotlight – Texas Requires ID for Deed Filings: Some states are enacting innovative laws to directly block fraudulent recordings. In Texas – which has seen its share of “house theft” cases in Houston, Dallas, etc. – the legislature passed a 2025 bill (SB 15) that, among other things, requires county clerks to obtain identification from anyone filing a property deed[48]. Astonishingly, in many places (including Arizona), recorders historically haven’t asked for ID – scammers literally “waltz in” with fake paperwork and nobody questions them[49]. Texas decided to change that. SB 15 also creates new criminal offenses specifically for real property theft, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting deed fraud to 10 years[50][51]. (Their governor had vetoed an earlier bill that was deemed too burdensome on honest landowners, but a revised approach gained approval[52].) The Texas example is worth watching; if it proves effective, it wouldn’t be surprising for Arizona and others to consider similar measures (like requiring ID at recording, or creating a standalone crime of deed fraud rather than fitting it under generic forgery/fraud laws).
State Spotlight – New York’s Homeowner Protections: In New York, deed theft has been a notorious issue, particularly in New York City where scammers targeted homes of elderly or deceased owners in gentrifying neighborhoods. New York State recently strengthened its laws (July 2024) to give homeowners more protection and avenues to fight deed fraud[53]. They established a specific crime of “deed theft” and empowered prosecutors (not just the defrauded owner) to take action. In fact, the New York Attorney General made headlines by securing the first indictments under the new deed theft law, charging several individuals who had stolen deeds from vulnerable homeowners[54]. The NY AG has been very aggressive, stating that whether it’s deed theft or squatter fraud, scammers who steal homes “must be met with the full force of the law”[54]. This trend of treating deed fraud as a serious crime akin to grand larceny is growing.
NAR and Industry Initiatives: Our own National Association of REALTORS® has not been idle. NAR conducted a 2025 Deed Fraud Survey across state and local Realtor associations to gauge the scope of the problem[55]. The findings confirmed that a majority of markets (63% of respondents) have seen deed/title fraud incidents recently, and that these scams most often involve vacant land or vacant homes rather than occupied residences[13]. The industry is responding by developing education, forming task forces, and advocating for solutions. Importantly, NAR’s survey found that among various proposals, the most widely supported solution (endorsed by 83% of respondents) was implementing electronic notification systems for property owners[56] – exactly what Arizona has now done statewide. REALTOR® associations in 76% of areas are working on anti-fraud efforts, including pushing state legislation and offering training to members[57]. This is truly an issue where knowledge and early detection are key, so the more we educate ourselves and the public, the better.

In short, from Phoenix to Philadelphia, from state capitols to Capitol Hill, the fight against deed fraud is ramping up. The consensus is that prevention and early detection (through alerts, ID verification, etc.) must complement tougher legal consequences for the perpetrators. As part of a nationwide Realtor community, we should stay informed on these developments, share best practices, and support advocacy that protects property owners.

Staying Vigilant: Our Responsibility as Real Estate Professionals

Deed fraud may be an age-old con (forging deeds goes back centuries) but it has evolved with modern technology and a hot real estate market, and it’s hitting Arizona now in very tangible ways. The good news is that awareness is our best defense. By understanding how these scams work and actively looking out for the red flags, we can often stop fraudsters in their tracks – as we’ve seen done in Payson and elsewhere. By educating our clients about tools like Fraud Notify and encouraging them to keep tabs on their own property records, we empower owners to protect themselves as well.

Realtors and brokers play a critical watchdog role here. We owe it to our communities to uphold the integrity of property transactions. That means taking a moment to double-check that “out-of-the-blue” seller, or being that trusted advisor who alerts a past client, “Hey, you can sign up for free alerts to make sure no one is messing with your title.” It also means advocating for policies that make our system safer – for example, supporting laws and procedures that make it harder for criminals to abuse the recording process, without over-burdening honest homeowners.

In our daily business, it’s easy to assume that a recorded deed or a ready seller is legitimate. But as we’ve learned, assume nothing when it comes to identity and ownership. A healthy dose of professional skepticism can save everyone a lot of heartache. As one county assessor put it, there may be no foolproof “solution” to criminal activity, but “all we can do is try our best to prevent it”[58] – words that ring true. Prevention is where we, as real estate professionals, can shine.

Thank you for reading and for your diligence on this issue. By staying informed and working together, we can help ensure that Arizona’s homes and lands remain in the right hands – and that deed fraudsters find no foothold in our markets.

Stay safe and vigilant out there!

Sources:

Arizona Association of REALTORS® – Vacant Land Fraud advisory (2022)[2][15][59][60][30]
Arizona’s Family (3TV/CBS5) News – “Scammers targeting real estate agents in Payson” (June 21, 2023)[5][6][7]
KJZZ News – Summary of Gov. Hobbs’ veto of SB 1310 (2025)[4]
SB Insider – “Hobbs Vetoes Property Title Theft Bill…” (May 17, 2025)[41][14][31]
Bivens & Associates Law – Title Alert Notice Service – Don’t Be a Victim of Title Fraud (June 22, 2023)[34]
Gila County Recorder’s Office – Fraud Notify program info[27]
American Land Title Association (ALTA) – Arizona to Require Counties to Alert Owners… (April 18, 2023)[33][36]
Texas Tribune – Texas Senate approves bill to protect Texans from real estate fraudsters (Aug 2025)[48][50]
ALTA – ALTA Supports Federal Efforts to Combat Deed Fraud (Oct 20, 2022)[43][61]
National Association of REALTORS® – 2025 Deed and Title Fraud Survey (excerpt)[13][56]
Arizona Attorney General’s Office – Press Release on real estate fraud lawsuit (Mar 12, 2025)[8][11]
ABC15 News – Valley couple indicted, accused of selling a home they were squatters in (2023)[12]

[1] [13] [55] [56] [57] Deed and Title Fraud Survey

https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/deed-and-title-fraud-survey

[2] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [28] [30] [59] [60] Vacant Land Fraud | Arizona Association of REALTORS®Arizona Association of REALTORS®

https://www.aaronline.com/2022/11/27/vacant-land-fraud/

[3] [34] AZ County Recorder’s Offices Have Free Title Alert Notice Service – Don’t Be a Victim of Title Fraud – Bivens & Associates

https://www.bivenslaw.com/elder-law-arizona/az-county-recorders-offices-have-free-title-alert-notice-service-dont-be-a-victim-of-title-fraud/

[4] [39] Here’s a list of all the Arizona bills Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed so far in 2025

https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2025-04-01/heres-a-list-of-all-the-arizona-bills-gov-katie-hobbs-vetoed-so-far-in-2025

[5] [6] [7] [29] ‘Things just weren’t adding up’: Scammers targeting real estate agents in Payson

https://www.azfamily.com/2023/06/22/things-just-werent-adding-up-scammers-targeting-real-estate-agents-payson/

[8] [9] [10] [11] Attorney General Mayes Sues Real Estate Operators and Title Companies for Defrauding Arizona Homeowners | Attorney General’s Office

https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-sues-real-estate-operators-and-title-companies-defrauding

[12] Valley couple indicted, accused of selling a home they were …

https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/valley-couple-indicted-accused-of-selling-a-home-they-were-squatting-in

[14] [31] [41] [58] Hobbs Vetoes Property Title Theft Bill, Lawmakers Stunned – The SB Insider

https://sbinsider.org/hobbs-vetoes-property-title-theft-bill-lawmakers-stunned/

[27] Gila County Recorder s Office

https://www.gilacountyaz.gov/government/recorder/

[32] AZ SB1310 | BillTrack50

https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1805975

[33] [35] [36] ALTA – Arizona to Require Counties to Alert Owners When Document Recorded Against Property

https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/news/20230418-Arizona-to-Require-Counties-to-Alert-Owners-When-Document-Recorded-Against-Property

[37] [38] Arizona County Title Alert Services – Protect Against Deed Fraud | Berk Law Group

https://berklawgroup.com/blog/arizona-county-title-alert-services-protect-against-deed-fraud/

[40] [PDF] Senate Bill 1310 – Arizona Legislature

https://www.azleg.gov/govlettr/57leg/1r/sb1310.pdf

[42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [61] ALTA – ALTA Supports Federal Efforts to Combat Deed Fraud, Protect Homeowners

https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/news/20221020-ALTA-Supports-Federal-Efforts-to-Combat-Deed-Fraud-Protect-Homeowners

[48] [49] [50] [51] [52] Texas Senate approves deed fraud bill | The Texas Tribune

https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/01/texas-legislature-special-session-deed-fraud/

[53] New York State Strengthens Homeowner Protections with New …

https://www.citybarjusticecenter.org/news/new-york-state-strengthens-homeowner-protections-with-new-deed-theft-law/

[54] Attorney General James Announces First Indictments Under New …

https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2025/attorney-general-james-announces-first-indictments-under-new-deed-theft-law

Have Any Questions?

Interested in what CAAR does and how you can get involved? Contact us below to talk to our team.

Protecting Against Deed Fraud in Arizona: What REALTORS® and Brokers Need to Know

blog