Stephen Bach photo
7:12 Financial logo

Stephen C. Bach CFP®

Financial Advisor

 

7:12 Financial LLC

309 Henry Lane

Wallingford, PA 19086

 

610-892-1718 (Phone/Fax/Text)

 

712financial@lincolninvestment.com

 

www.712financial.com

September/October 2024

The "New" Identity Theft

The New Identity Theft

As if stealing your personal information to access your bank accounts or open credit in your name isn’t enough to worry about, there’s another form of identity theft taking hold. Deed theft is a type of identity theft that targets your residence, second home or other property.


How It Happens
Thieves target a potential property — often a vacation home, second home or vacant property. Criminals forge the owner’s signature on the deed and sell the home to themselves or a third party. They then use personal information found on the Internet to assume your identity or to represent you when they record the deed with the county.


They’re Not Moving In
Once thieves have the deed to your property, they can:
  • Sell your home and keep the profit

  • Refinance the mortgage to cash out equity

  • Open a home equity line of credit

  • Illegally rent out unoccupied property


Protect Yourself
You can take steps to protect yourself and your property from deed theft.
  • Monitor your credit reports for loans you didn’t take out or for other suspicious activity.

  • Check for liens against your property from contractors, subcontractors or attorneys.

  • Visit vacant homes periodically to make sure no one is living in them.

  • Have your mail forwarded, kept at the post office or picked up by someone when you’re away from home.

  • Pay close attention to mortgage, tax, water and other home-related bills.

  • Check your county recorder’s office or local registry online for land records and property deeds. You may be able to set up notifications at the registry to alert you to changes.


If Something Is Amiss
Notify the register of deeds as well as law enforcement if you find evidence of deed theft or other criminal activity. Obtain a certified copy of the fraudulent document and consult an attorney.


SUBSCRIBE

Enter your Name and Email address to get
the newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Please include name of person that directed you to my online newsletter so I can thank them personally.


CONTACT US

Enter your Name, Email Address and a short message. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.

Advisory Services offered through Capital Analysts, or Lincoln Investment, Registered Investment Advisers. Securities offered through Lincoln Investment, Broker/Dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC. www.lincolninvestment.com
7:12 Financial LLC and the above firms are independent and non-affiliated. Lincoln Investment is the provider of 403(b)/457 plans sponsored by employers and your advisor represents Lincoln Investment when offering these plans. 7:12 Financial LLC and LTM Marketing Specialists LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Client Marketing, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

The information and opinions contained in this web site are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors and omissions or for any damages resulting from the use of the published information. This web site is published with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. Whole or partial reproduction of this web site is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.