It includes an updated fraud alert system, but property owners must re-register — even if they’re already signed up for existing fraud alerts — to access automated, “real-time” notifications after filings.
It’s part of an overhaul that’s been in the works since 2020, said Register of Deeds Tammy Brunner .
It involved moving millions of public records, like deeds and subdivision plats, to the new platform. The county’s land records go back to 1785, and more than 500 documents get processed through its platform daily.
“It’s a huge undertaking to be sure all the records transfer correctly,” Brunner said. “We signed the contract in 2022 and have been in the process of changing [over] since then.”
A land-use records system records and manages how land is used, including who owns it; any liens on the property; and the legal framework for using it.
Under North Carolina law, the Register of Deeds is not required to verify the legal validity of a deed when it is presented for registration, nor is the office required to verify the credentials or legal standing of the notary or drafter of the document. However, it offers free fraud alerts using software Fraud Notify.
Even with the new platform, the alerts work the same, Brunner said. “The only reason we’re switching is because it comes with the new land-use records system.”
When a document is recorded with your name on it, you will be notified by email. Fraud alerts won’t stop the deed transfer from happening but will let you know if there’s property fraud being committed in your name.
To receive the updated version property owners must create a new User ID and password on the register’s login page. The register also recorded a training video on how to use the new system.
A GROWING CONCERN
Deed fraud, or home title theft, is still rare in Wake County, experts say. However, it’s become a growing concern after an ABC11 Troubleshooter investigation last September uncovered a woman who had obtained the deed to a multi-million north Raleigh home in her name, despite not owning it.
As soon as the office became aware of the fraudulent deed, Brunner alerted the Tax Administration office that no tax information for the property should be changed, ABC11 reported. The homeowner was also encouraged to file a police report.
The woman, Dawn Mangum, is now facing charges of obtaining property by false pretense. The case is working its way through the courts.
“[It’s] the only [case] I know of,” Brunner said. “If there are more, they haven’t let our office know.”
The case didn’t trigger the platform’s update, she added.
There are no national statistics tracking deed fraud. However, the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report tracked 9,521 complaints of cyber-related real estate and rental fraud last year, with losses totaling over $145 million.
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