In a recent post, we covered how the new ALTA 49 and ALTA 49.1 endorsements help homeowners protect themselves from forged deeds recorded after closing. Homeowners, however, are not the only line of defense. The agents, brokers, and notaries who handle Ohio real estate transactions every day are often the first to encounter a fraudulent listing, and the steps they take at intake can stop the scam before a forged deed is ever recorded.
The Statewide Warning
In December 2025, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing issued a warning to licensees about a rise in fake property listings. The pattern is consistent. Scammers impersonate property owners, contact a real estate agent, and use forged documents and false identification to list a property they do not own. Their preferred targets are vacant lots, unoccupied homes, second homes, properties owned by people who live out of state, and properties owned free and clear of any mortgage.
The crime remains uncommon. Franklin County's Deed Fraud Strike Force, formed in 2024, flags fewer than ten of the approximately 50,000 annual title transfers in the county as potentially fraudulent. Even so, the statewide response has been substantial. Ohio House Bill 749 has been introduced to require additional agent training, mandate government issued photo identification at the county recorder's office, and establish a 24 hour waiting period for property transfers. Ohio REALTORS is actively supporting protective legislation and member education.
Red Flags at Listing
Real estate professionals should be alert when a prospective seller pushes for a quick listing of a vacant or unoccupied property, refuses to meet in person, provides identification that looks altered or inconsistent, claims authority to sell on behalf of multiple owners without supporting documentation, or insists on a remote closing for no clear reason. Properties that are owned free and clear, located out of state, or recently inherited deserve particularly careful review at intake.
Practical Safeguards Before Listing
Before signing a listing agreement, agents should verify ownership through the county auditor and recorder, request government issued photo identification from every seller, confirm any notary's commission at ohiosos.gov, and require all owners of record to sign listing and transfer documents. When something feels off, the right move is to pause, consult the broker, and report suspicious behavior to the Division of Real Estate. Encouraging clients to enroll in their county's free property alert program, such as Property eAlerts in Franklin County or AlertMe in Lucas County, protects everyone who later touches the transaction.
A Coordinated Defense
Stopping deed fraud is a team effort. County auditors and recorders monitor filings, notaries verify identities, title companies confirm seller identity at closing, and the listing agent is often the first set of eyes on the deal. Scioto Title is glad to partner with our real estate colleagues on questions of ownership verification, title risk, and the ALTA 49 and 49.1 endorsements that complete the protection for the buyer at closing.
To discuss verification questions on a current transaction or to learn more about title fraud protections, reach out to our title professionals today!
About Scioto Title LLC
Scioto Title is a Central Ohio-based, independent title and escrow agency dedicated to the highest level of service and closing experience. By combining industry expertise with advanced security and proactive communication, we ensure seamless residential and commercial transactions for real estate professionals and their clients. At Scioto Title, service is our commitment.
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