THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 11, 2025 Page 11 DEED FRAUD | FROM PAGE 10 means of reporting internet-facilitated crimes, does not have specific statistics solely for quit claim deed fraud, but it does fall into the real estate crime category. Nationwide, from 2019 through 2023, 58,141 victims reported $1.3 billion in losses relating to real estate fraud. Here in the Boston Division, which includes all of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, during the same period, 2,301 victims reported losing more than $61.5 million. • 262 victims in Maine lost $6,253,008 • 1,576 victims in Massachusetts lost $46,269,818 • 239 victims in New Hampshire lost $4,144,467 • 224 victims in Rhode Island lost $4,852,220 The reported losses are most likely much higher due to that fact that many don’t know where to report it, are embarrassed, or haven’t yet realized they have been scammed. FBI Boston is working with property owners, realtors, county registers, title companies, and insurance companies to thwart the fraud schemes but it’s no easy task. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way business was and continues to be conducted. More and more people have grown accustomed to conducting real estate transactions through email and over the phone. The remote nature of these sales is a benefi t to bad actors. Tips for Landowners: • Continually monitor online property records and set up title alerts with the county clerk’s offi ce (if possible) • Set up online search alerts for your property. • Drive by the property or have a management company periodically check it. • Ask your neighbors to notify you if they see anything suspicious. • Beware of anyone using encrypted applications to conduct real estate transactions. • Take action if you stop receiving your water or property tax bills, or if utility bills on vacant properties suddenly increase. Tips for Realtors: • Avoid remote closings, if possible. • Ask for in-person identity checks. • Request copies of documents that only the property owner would have – this includes a copy of the most recent tax bill, utility bill, or survey from when the property was purchased, in addition to the individual’s ID. • Send a certifi ed letter to the address of record on the tax bill. • Look up the phone number by reverse search or through the phone carrier. • Call to verify the public notary and confi rm he/she attested to the documents. The FBI can work with our partners to try to stop wire transfers and recover the funds within the fi rst 72 hours. We urge folks to report fraud and suspected fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
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