This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenter Courtney Smith, who covered the Indianapolis City-County Council Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee 2027 budget hearing. Want to help us cover future meetings? Learn how to join Documenters.
Marion County Recorder Faith Kimbrough said property fraud is a growing problem.
Property fraud, also called deed fraud or home title theft, happens when someone files a fake document with the county to make it look like they own your home.
They take that deed to the bank and can file a mortgage on the home or borrow against it.
“It’s a white-collar crime and it’s growing,” said Kimbrough.
Detectives work on about 10 property fraud cases a month.
Homeowners can sign up for Property Fraud Alert, a service that sends an email or text alert if anyone files a legal document under their name, including legal actions such as refinancing.
The alert service can’t stop fraud, but it can warn property owners so they can take action.
Kimbrough said it’s similar to how credit card companies alert clients when their card information is compromised.
At a Sept. 29 meeting of the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee, Kimbrough said 9,338 residents have received more than 20,000 alerts this year.
This year, 9,338 residents have signed up. The office’s goal is 10,000 by the end of 2026.
Residents can sign up at propertyfraudalert.com or by calling the Recorder’s office at 317-327-4020.
What’s next?
The next City-County Council Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee meeting is 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St.
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