Stopping Property Fraud

Newaygo County Register of Deeds Stewart Sanders

County Deeds office unveils new tool to thwart cybercrime

With property fraud and real estate cybercrimes on the increase, Newaygo County Register of Deeds Stewart Sanders is pleased to announce a Fraud Alert Service that is free to all property owners of Newaygo County.   Signing up for this service will keep property owners informed of any recordings that come through our office.
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Property fraud is perpetrated when someone illegally uses your property for financial gain.  This happens when someone records a fraudulent document in the Register of Deeds office, making it look like they own your home or property.  According to the FBI, Property and Mortgage fraud is the fastest growing white-collar crime.  Your County Register of Deeds in conjunction with the land records provider has created a notification system called Fraud Alert.

     To sign up for this free service use the following steps:

• Go to Newaygo County’s website:  www.countyofnewaygo.com
• Click on the pull-down tab, Elected Officials / Click on Register of Deeds
• Scroll to the box labeled Fraud Alert
• That opens the page to sign up; just follow the instructions.

The way this system works is if a document is recorded in your name an email is then sent to the address you provide which allows you the opportunity to verify the authenticity of that recording.  These alert systems are extremely helpful in detecting fraud. 

In other news, the Newaygo County Register of Deeds office is a passport acceptance office.  On the ROD website is the box labeled passports and in that text are the directions for submitting a passport application with the correct documentation.  Our office is also able to take passport photos once again as we have a new updated system from which to work.

The Register of Deeds office is constantly striving to provide the best customer service experience.  Currently, we are working on our webpage to provide current and timely information for our residents. Please visit our webpage and check out some of the new information!  If you have questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Register of Deeds office.

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