Empowering Homeowners Against Fraudulent Recordings

Homeownership is a significant milestone and an essential asset, especially for seniors, who often depend on their homes for financial stability and comfort in their golden years. However, this valuable asset can become a target for fraudulent activities. In Los Angeles County, the Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program aims to combat such threats, providing residents with a crucial line of defense. This article discusses the details of this program. It offers advice on protecting yourself from real estate fraud, focusing on particularly vulnerable seniors.

The Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs operates the Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program. Through this program, homeowners receive copies of documents recorded against their property and can review them for legitimacy. This process is vital in preventing unlawful changes in property ownership and avoiding wrongful foreclosures.

You can now sign up to receive a "Homeowner Alert" by email anytime a grant deed, deed of trust, or lien is recorded on your property. By registering your email address with your property, we (LA County Tax Assessor) will notify you within 48 hours of any activity recorded on your property. This can be an essential tool in preventing fraud and deed theft.

Learn How to Sign -up: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/news-information/enotification

How it Works:

1. Notification Delivery: If you live in Los Angeles County, you'll receive mail copies of documents indicating ownership changes, loans taken against your home, or Notices of Default or Sale.
2. E-Notification System: The county has expanded this program to include e-notification, enabling faster email notifications and traditional mail.
3. Enrollment: Homeowners can enroll in e-Notification by creating a profile on the Los Angeles County Assessor's portal and opting in.

Understanding and Responding to Documents:

• When receiving a document, check for post-signature alterations and confirm they match the original.
• Contact the authorities immediately if you need help with issues like forged signatures or incorrect information.

Dealing with Ownership and Foreclosure Documents

Understanding documents that change property ownership is crucial. These include Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. In foreclosure cases, you should know the Notice of Default and Notice of Trustee Sale. Please contact the Department's counselors if you have any of these issues.

The Vulnerability of Seniors to Real Estate Fraud

Older adults often own properties outright or have substantial equity, making them attractive targets for fraudsters. Mortgage loan fraud and title theft by caretakers or others can lead to significant legal and financial challenges for seniors.

Warning Signs of Fraud:

• Urgent suggestions for second mortgages or refinancing.
• Requests for personal information by lenders or strangers.
• Pressure from caregivers or others to sign property-related documents.

Preventative Measures:

• Avoid loans, reverse mortgages, or property transfers without understanding and witness by trusted family or friends.
• Contact the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs Real Estate Fraud Hotline if suspicious activities are detected.

Homeownership is more than just an investment; it's a haven of security, especially for our senior population. The Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program in Los Angeles County safeguards this asset. By staying vigilant, understanding the signs of fraud, and utilizing the resources provided by the program, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to real estate fraud.

Newsletter

The Assessor's Office issues an informative monthly email newsletter with helpful tips and information to benefit anyone who owns property in Los Angeles County. Subscribe to the newsletter today.

Sign up for the LA County Assessors Newsletter: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/news-information/newsletters

I hope you find this helpful,

Robbyn Battles