SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Sangamon County residents should be wary of a type of fraud that's been rising locally.
Sangamon County Recorder Josh Langfelder says property fraud cases have been popping up over the county. The fraud attempts involve people posing as property owners and contacting real estate agents to list the property.
So far, the attempts have been headed off by neighbors and real estate agents, but Langfelder said the matter is serious.
“In our current economic climate, property and mortgage fraud are becoming more prevalent,” said Langfelder. “To help prevent property fraud, my office has provided a Property Fraud Alert service since 2009. This service is a proactive measure against property fraud and is in the best interest of the community.”
Property fraud perpetrators often prey on the elderly, absentee owners, and those who have paid off their mortgage.
“Protecting real estate property along with consumers’ information is a top priority” Langfelder said. “The Property Fraud Alert program provides citizens an early warning system allowing them to take action should they deem possible fraudulent activity has occurred.”
Individuals can sign-up by going to www.propertyfraudalert.com/sangamonil or by contacting the Recorder’s office at (217) 535-3151. The system monitors the subscribed name and delivers an alert by e-mail, text or telephone call if the user’s name appears on a document filed in the Sangamon County Recorder’s Office.
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