Couple looking at a laptop together.

Member Updates


Title theft is a scam where criminals forge a property owner's name on a deed to fraudulently transfer the property to themselves, then either sell it or take out a loan using the home as collateral. This identity fraud can leave the legitimate homeowner with significant financial losses, potentially facing foreclosure or eviction. Victims are often targeted through vacant properties, such as second homes or those owned by recently deceased individuals, but it can also affect occupied properties.  

How Title Theft Works

1. Targeting:

Fraudsters identify vulnerable properties, often vacant second homes or those of recently deceased owners. 

2. Identity Theft:

They steal the owner's identity to create fake IDs and documents. 

3. Fraudulent Deed:

The criminal forges the homeowner's name on a deed, transferring ownership of the property to themselves. 

4. Illegal Actions:

The scammer then sells the property to an unsuspecting buyer, collects the money, or takes out fraudulent loans against the property's equity. 

5. Discovery:

The legitimate owner usually discovers the fraud when contacted by a new mortgage company or if they notice a change in their property's record. 

Consequences for the Homeowner 

  • Loss of Property: The property can be sold to a new, innocent buyer, leaving the original owner without their home.
  • Financial Debt: Fraudulent loans can lead to foreclosure if payments aren't made.
  • Eviction: The scam can result in the homeowner being evicted from their own home.

Who is Targeted? 

  • Owners of vacant properties: or second homes.
  • Estates of recently deceased individuals .
  • Elderly homeowners: who may miss red flags or be more susceptible to scams.
  • Longtime homeowners: with substantial home equity.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Monitor Your Property's Deed:

Check with your local county recorder's office for information on protecting your deed. 

  • Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers:

Be cautious of unsolicited offers to buy your property, especially if the offer is below market value, according to the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. 

  • Contact Your Lender if You Notice Suspicious Activity:

If you notice your deed is missing or suspect theft, contact your lender and the county recorder's office immediately. 

  • Report Suspicious Solicitations:

Report suspicious real estate solicitations to your state's Attorney General's office. 

Local lawmakers have worked together to help stop this fraud with the creation of FANS, Filing Activity Notification System, that Georgia citizens can opt-in for access to tools to monitor activity regarding their property and records. Learn more at https://fans.gsccca.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the FANS, please contact the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority customer support at (800) 304-5174 or email help@gsccca.org.

Unfortunately, scammers are out there, working hard to steal your information or identity to access your hard-earned money. We want to remind you to be vigilant and cautious when sharing personal information online or over the phone. 

Some important tips you need to know:

  • Do not reveal personal information or financial information to unsolicited callers via phone, text, or in an email. We will NEVER call you randomly to ask for this information.

  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of attachments. Email scammers often try to elicit a sense of fear or urgency in victims.

  • Use trusted sources—such as legitimate government websites for the most up-to-date fact based information.

  • Always verify a charity before making donations by contacting the charity directly or verify the charities existence. Do not donate if the solicitor is using high-pressure tactics or insists on a cash donation.

  • Be alert to a person calling claiming to be from The Southern Credit Union, a government agency or anyone asking you to verify sensitive information. Hang up and call the correct number to verify the call.
If you think you might be a victim of a scam or have questions, call The Southern Credit Union at 770.719.1111. The Telephone Service Center is available Monday – Friday, 8 am. – 5 pm. Visit our Financial Resources landing page for more information.