Protecting Your Property from Title Fraud
A Warning from Counsellors Title Agency
A Warning from Counsellors Title Agency
At Counsellors Title Agency, based right here in Toms River, New Jersey, we are committed to safeguarding your real estate investments across the Garden State. That’s why we want to bring your attention to a growing threat: quit claim deed scams—a deceptive scheme that has recently triggered a formal warning from the FBI.
These scams are especially prevalent in New Jersey’s diverse real estate market, where everything from shorefront properties and vacant lots to suburban homes and seasonal rentals can become targets. Fraudsters—commonly referred to as “title pirates”—fabricate quit claim deed documents to transfer ownership of a property without the actual owner’s knowledge or consent. They then attempt to record these documents with the County Clerk or Register of Deeds, effectively hijacking the legal title.
What makes this scheme particularly insidious in New Jersey is the frequent use of remote closings, which have become more common in recent years. Scammers may use fake IDs and exploit virtual processes to impersonate rightful owners—bypassing the in-person checks that typically serve as a line of defense.
Here’s how they operate: they comb through public records to identify properties with no mortgage, vacant land, or homes owned by out-of-state residents, such as those with second homes along the Jersey Shore. After forging ownership, they may even enlist a legitimate real estate agent—completely unaware of the scam—to list the property for sale. In many cases, the actual property owner only learns of the theft when a “For Sale” sign appears or, worse, when the property is already sold.
Even more troubling, there have been reports of elderly family members being manipulated into signing away ownership—often without fully understanding the legal implications of the documents they’re presented with.
While vacant or encumbered properties are frequent targets, no home is immune. This type of fraud, known as home title theft, can lead to lengthy and expensive legal battles to recover ownership.
How can you protect yourself?
As your trusted title partner in New Jersey, Counsellors Title Agency recommends taking the following steps:
As your trusted title partner in New Jersey, Counsellors Title Agency recommends taking the following steps:
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Work with reputable title professionals who are trained to detect red flags.
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Be cautious of unsolicited offers or inquiries about your property.
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Educate elderly family members about these scams to prevent manipulation.
If you suspect any suspicious activity involving your property, contact us immediately. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of real estate ownership and protect your interests—because at Counsellors Title, your peace of mind is our priority.