Beware of “Deed Monitoring” Scams Targeting Homeowners

I’ve been asked at least a dozen times about ads for deed monitoring “services.” It’s actually a fast-growing scam that’s targeting homeowners across Oregon and Washington. You may have received official-looking mail or ads about “home title protection,” “deed monitoring,” or “title lock services.” These companies use fear-based marketing to convince you that someone can “steal your home” unless you pay them a monthly fee.

The ads typically show an elderly couple with fearful or defeated looking expressions.

Let’s clear up what’s real, what’s not, and what you actually need to do to protect yourself.

What These Companies Claim

You may have seen pitches like these:

• “Criminals can take your home by recording a fraudulent deed.”

• “Protect your title! Lock it now!”

• “Sign up for $20–$40/month to prevent deed theft.”

These services often go by names like Home Title Lock, Title Guard, or “County Property Services.” They look official intentionally — that’s part of the marketing.

The Truth: These Services Can’t Do What They Promise

Here’s the key point: No private company can prevent someone from recording a document on the title to your home.

County recorders must accept any properly notarized deed. There is no legal mechanism for “locking” your title.

So what do these companies actually do?

At best they monitor public records and email you if something gets recorded. At worst they do nothing.

Either way, they’re charging hundreds of dollars a year for something counties now offer for free.

Scam Variant #2: The “Official Copy of Your Deed” Letter

Another common scam involves mailers that look like government notices:

“Your deed has been recorded. Pay $89–$149 for an official copy.”

This is junk mail.

Your deed is a public record.A copy typically costs $3–$10 through the county.

What Actually Is Real: Property Fraud

Deed fraud can happen — usually through forged signatures or fraudulent transfers — but it’s rare, and when it occurs:

• It’s reversible through the courts

• Title insurance often helps

• Mortgage lenders usually detect it quickly

• But yeah, it’s a huge hassle to clean up

So the risk is real, but it doesn’t require a paid subscription.

What You Should Actually Do

Sign up for Multnomah County’s free recording alert service

If you live in Multnomah County, you can sign up here: Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS) https://multco.us/info/property-recording-alert-service-pras

This will notify you by email any time a document is recorded with your name on it — for free.

If you live outside Multnomah County and want your county’s link, just reply and I’ll find it.

Contact me if you ever receive a recording notice you don’t recognize. I hate scams and I’m always happy to help you sort through this stuff - because it pisses me off!