by Evan Simon 
Identity theft involving fraudulent transfers of real estate occurs when someone steals another person’s identity and uses it to transfer ownership of a property to themselves or a third party. It is important to protect personal information and be vigilant in monitoring real estate transactions to prevent this type of fraud.
A new e-Notification service from the LA County Assessor’s Office gives homeowners the opportunity to register their email to be alerted whenever a foreclosure, transfer of title, or mortgage is recorded on their property with the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This notification allows property owners a means to identify potential real estate fraud activity, such as a fraudulently recorded deed.
Currently, the Registrar-Recorder will, within 30-days, mail a copy of a Grant Deed, Quit Claim Deed, Deed of Trust, or, within 5-days, mail a copy of a Notice of Default, or Notice of Sale to the property owner upon its recordation.
Now a homeowner can also opt-in for email notifications. Once a homeowner registers an email, the home-owner will be sent an email of any recordation on their property within 48-hours.
There is no limit on the number of properties that can enroll for this service. Furthermore, the County recommends that homeowners enroll an elderly parent’s or dependent adult’s property to ensure prompt notification.
To enroll in Property Owner e-Notification Alerts, create a profile on the LA County Assessor’s portal at:
https://assessor.lacounty.gov/news-information/enotification
There are no fees for Property Owner e-Notification.
Once a homeowner enrolls in Property Owner e-Notification, they can opt-out of the service whenever they like. So, if the homeowner no longer wishes to receive email notices for a property after they sell or transfer it, they are encouraged to opt-out.
The County understands the importance of timely service when dealing with sensitive situations, and whether it be change in ownership, refinance or foreclosure, it wants to notify interested parties as quickly as possible. Therefore, the County developed e-Notification to alert property owners of a recording within 48-hours. This notification service allows property owners the opportunity to seek free legitimate assistance and helps them avoid falling victim to real estate scams. Also, if a property owner suspects erroneous or fraudulent activity, they can report it to the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222, online at dcba.lacounty.gov, or by email at homehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov.
