Know the Fraud.
Protect Your Home.
Plain-English guides written by the Home Fraud Defense™ research team — no scare tactics, just facts.
12 articles
How Deed Fraud Happens: The Step-by-Step Playbook Scammers Use
Deed fraud is one of the fastest-growing property crimes in the US. Here's exactly how scammers transfer your home into their name without you knowing — and what you can do right now.
12 Wire Fraud Red Flags Every Buyer Must Spot Before Closing
Real estate fraud cost Americans $275M across 12,368+ victims in 2025 alone — FBI IC3. These 12 red flags will help you identify a fraudulent wire instruction email before you send a single dollar to the wrong account.
Title Theft vs. Title Insurance: What Actually Protects You
Title insurance and county recorder document alerts are not the same thing. One looks backward. The other notifies you going forward. Most homeowners have only one — and it's the wrong one for the fraud that's actually happening.
The Complete Homeowner Fraud Protection Checklist for 2026
A practical, action-by-action checklist every homeowner should complete to protect their property from deed fraud, title theft, and wire fraud scams. Includes free and paid steps.
How Real Estate Agents Can Protect Clients from Wire Fraud — and Their License
Real estate agents face E&O liability when clients fall victim to wire fraud. HFDCP™ certified agents have documented fraud prevention protocols that protect their clients and their license.
How to Report Real Estate Fraud: FBI, State AG, and What Actually Works
If you're a victim of real estate fraud, the order in which you report matters. Here's exactly who to call, in what order, and what information to have ready — because the 72-hour recovery window is real.
Rental Listing Scam Red Flags: How Fraudsters Steal Your Deposit
Rental scam fraudsters steal real property listings, impersonate landlords, and collect deposits from multiple victims. Here are 10 red flags every renter needs to know before handing over a dollar.
Florida Real Estate Fraud: What Buyers and Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
Florida consistently ranks as the #1 or #2 state for real estate fraud in the US. This guide covers what Florida buyers and homeowners need to know about deed fraud, wire fraud, and Florida's specific protections.
Texas Real Estate Fraud: 2026 Guide for Buyers and Sellers
Texas's booming real estate market and rapid population growth make it a top target for deed fraud, wire fraud, and investor scams. Here's what Texas buyers, sellers, and homeowners need to know in 2026.
Foreclosure Rescue Scams: The 5 Types Targeting Distressed Homeowners Right Now
Foreclosure rescue scammers prey on homeowners at their most vulnerable — facing the loss of their home. Here are the 5 most common types, their tactics, and what actual legitimate help looks like.
ALTA 49 Endorsement Explained: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know in 2026
In August 2025, ALTA quietly released a new endorsement covering post-closing deed forgery — the exact gap standard title insurance has always left open. Most homeowners have never heard of it, and most title agents won't bring it up unless you ask.
Real Estate Wire Fraud Guide
How wire fraud works, step-by-step — and how to protect yourself before closing.
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2026 Home Fraud Protection Checklist
30-point checklist used by HFDCP™ professionals — free PDF, emailed instantly.
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