Property Fraud Alerts – Frequently Asked Questions
- Sign up for Union County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s free Property Fraud Alert for automated email alerts when your name is added to the Official Records index.
- If your property is vacant, check often to make sure it is not occupied illegally.
- Ask someone you trust to look after your property if you are away for an extended period of time.
- Do not let mail pile up when out of town.
- Make sure the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices have the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property.
Why do fraudulent documents get recorded?
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller must record all documents that meet the requirements outlined in the Florida Statues. The Clerk has no authority to refuse to record a properly prepared document, even if it may be fraudulent.
If a document is proven fraudulent, can it be removed from the Official Records?
No document can be removed from the Official Records without a court order. Therefore, citizens are urged to contact local law enforcement and/or an attorney for prompt, appropriate action if fraud is suspected.
What should I do if I think I may be the victim of property fraud?
Contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office and/or your attorney or legal advisor.
Neither the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Property Appraiser, or Tax Collector offices can take legal action on your behalf to reverse the fraudulent activity.
What is the Property Fraud Alert?
Property Fraud Alert is a free service offered by the Union County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller that alerts citizens via email when a document is recorded in their name. Newly filed documents are automatically scanned for any name enrolled in our Property Fraud Alert system. You will receive an email notifying you a document has been recorded even if it is authentic. If this is the case, there is no need to panic, and nothing for you to do.
How does the Property Fraud Alert work?
On the Property Fraud Alert sign up page, you may enter up to five name variations per email address. When a document is recorded into the Official Records of Seminole County with a name that is being monitored, an email will automatically be sent to the provided email address. It is an automated system. You should enroll all variations of your name to ensure that any fraudulent document is caught.
What documents will I be notified about through the Property Fraud Alert?
The Property Fraud Alert alerts you to newly recorded documents only, i.e. documents recorded after you have signed up. To search documents already recorded under your name, click here.
How do I edit the names being monitored?
To edit the names you are monitoring, you would make the changes in the Property Fraud system.
Is my Property Fraud Alert registration subject to public records law?
Yes, email addresses and names used in registrations for the Recording Notification Service are subject to public disclosure per Florida public records law.
Can I unsubscribe from the Property Fraud Alert?
You can unsubscribe any of your names by selecting the “unsubscribe” option next to them (indicated with a red X) in the Property Fraud system.