On November 1, 2011, citizens began being notified by mail if certain real estate recordings occur pertaining to their property. In order to identify the transaction, the notifications will include copies of the first two pages of the subject document.
Property owners are usually aware of these recorded transactions. However, if the recording was not authorized by the owner or the owner feels potential fraud may be taking place, a dedicated phone number at the Contra Costa County, California, District Attorney's Real Estate Fraud Unit was provided to report the issue. The property owner is able to inquire about the details of the transaction or notify the District Attorney of potential fraud.
Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark A. Peterson, in joint cooperation with County Clerk-Recorder Steve Weir, announced the implementation of the real estate fraud notification program. This process is made possible with the cooperation of the County Assessor Gus Kramer through inter-county data sharing.
Contra Costa County recognizes the potential for real estate fraud is a serious problem. Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark A. Peterson and County Clerk- Recorder Stephen L. Weir are committed to the prevention and prosecution of real estate fraud.
Rachel Dollar, the editor of Mortgage Fraud Blog is an attorney and Certified Mortgage Banker who handles litigation for lending institutions and secondary market investors.