N※N

First American Launches Free Title Fraud Alert Service

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. can-launches-free-title-fraud-alert-service.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 1:21 GMT by HousingWire
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

IRVINE, CA - February 17th, 2026 - First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAM) today announced the nationwide rollout of a free title monitoring and fraud alert service for homeowners, a move lauded by industry experts as a crucial step in combating the increasingly prevalent issue of property fraud. The launch, detailed on [ HousingWire ], comes at a time when title theft and related scams are surging, fueled by increasingly sophisticated fraudsters and readily available personal data.

For years, title fraud - where criminals illegally transfer ownership of a property into their name - remained a relatively niche concern. However, recent data indicates a dramatic rise in incidents across the United States. The Homeowners Title Fraud Task Force reported a 34% increase in reported cases in 2025, with losses totaling an estimated $1.2 billion. These schemes often go undetected for months, even years, allowing fraudsters to take out loans against the property, sell it, or simply drain equity.

Melissa Riggins, First American's chief title risk officer, explains the motivation behind the free service: "Title theft is a growing problem and homeowners need tools to protect themselves. Our new free service will provide homeowners with timely alerts and resources to help them understand and respond to potential threats." This isn't merely a customer service initiative, but a proactive measure addressing a systemic vulnerability in the homeownership experience.

The service operates by continuously monitoring public records for any documents recorded against a homeowner's property. These include crucial records like deeds, mortgages, liens, and other filings that could indicate fraudulent activity. When a change is detected, the homeowner receives an immediate alert, giving them the opportunity to investigate and take corrective action. This rapid notification is key - the sooner a homeowner is aware of a potential issue, the easier and less costly it is to resolve.

Beyond the Alerts: Understanding the Landscape of Property Fraud

While First American's service focuses on post-recording alerts, it's important to understand the various methods fraudsters employ. Several common schemes include:

• Deed Fraud: Criminals forge or illegally obtain a deed and record it with the county recorder's office, effectively transferring ownership of the property.
• Equity Skimming: Fraudsters take out fraudulent mortgages or home equity loans against a property without the homeowner's knowledge. They then pocket the funds and disappear.
• Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Targeting homeowners facing foreclosure, these scams promise to help them save their homes but instead steal their equity.
• Rental Scams: Fraudsters illegally list a property for rent, collecting deposits from unsuspecting tenants.

Recent technological advancements, like the increased digitization of land records, while improving access, have also inadvertently created new opportunities for fraud. Data breaches exposing personal information further exacerbate the problem, providing fraudsters with the necessary details to impersonate homeowners.

First American's Service - A Welcome Step, But Not a Panacea

Industry analysts acknowledge First American's free service as a significant step forward in homeowner protection. However, they also emphasize that it's not a foolproof solution. "Title monitoring is a valuable tool, but it's just one piece of the puzzle," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of cybersecurity at the University of Southern California. "Homeowners still need to be vigilant about protecting their personal information, reviewing their credit reports regularly, and being wary of unsolicited offers or requests for financial information."

Furthermore, the effectiveness of the service depends on the speed and accuracy of county recorder's offices. Delays in recording or errors in data entry can hinder the system's ability to detect fraudulent activity. First American is working with county offices nationwide to enhance data security and improve recording processes.

Signing Up and Staying Informed

Homeowners interested in signing up for First American's free title monitoring service can do so at [ https://www.firstamerican.com/home-title-monitoring ]. The company also provides a wealth of resources on its website dedicated to educating homeowners about property fraud and how to protect themselves. In addition to utilizing tools like this, experts recommend homeowners consider obtaining title insurance, which provides financial protection against losses resulting from title defects or fraud.

As property fraud continues to evolve, a multi-faceted approach - combining technological solutions like title monitoring with increased public awareness and robust legal frameworks - is essential to safeguard the American dream of homeownership.