Property Fraud Alert

What is Property Fraud? Sign Up Here When Will I Receive an Alert? What Should I do if I Receive an Alert? FAQS

What is Property Fraud?

Property and mortgage fraud is the fastest-growing white-collar crime in the United States, according to the FBI. Scammers file fake deeds, making it appear like they own homes that are not theirs. These scammers then trick people into giving them money to rent or buy those homes.

Property Fraud Alert is a free service to help you protect your property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the Official Records of the Clerk of Court.

By signing up for FREE property fraud alerts, you will receive notification by email or telephone whenever a document is recorded in Jefferson County using your or your business’s name. If you receive an alert about activity not initiated by you, this early notification can provide valuable time to stop criminals in their tracks. Reviewing your property records is an important way to protect yourself from fraud. The Jefferson County Clerk's Office encourages you to sign up today and take advantage of this free service.

Signing up is quick and easy! Follow these steps:

Online, go to Property Fraud Alert or call (800) 728-3858.
Click ‘Continue’ to begin the registration process.
Choose whether you want to monitor a person’s name or a business name.
Enter the name you would like to monitor.
Enter either an email address or telephone number where you would like to be alerted.

NOTE: You may repeat the process as many times as you'd like to monitor additional names. If you enter an email, you will receive a confirmation message.

When Will I Receive an Alert?

You Receive an Alert

When a document is recorded in Jefferson County that matches your monitoring criteria.
The alert will provide you with the following information: County Location, Document Number, Document Type, Recorded Date, and the matched Party Name (personal, business, or trust name).
Search the online Official Records Index to view the actual document. Enter the criteria from your Property Fraud Alert.
For assistance researching documents, please contact the Jefferson County Clerk’s Recording Department at (850) 342-0218 ext. 227.
Contact law enforcement if you suspect you are a victim of fraud.

What Should I do if I Receive an Alert?

FAQS

What if I have property in other counties?

Many counties in Florida provide this service to their citizens. You may contact the Clerk of the Court in the county of interest to see if they offer such a service.

What will distinguish one John Doe from another?

There is nothing that will distinguish one name from another. Therefore, a person with a common name will receive multiple alerts.

What documents do I need to gather before signing up for this service?

The only information you need to provide is your first and last name and email address or phone number depending on your preferred contact method. Nothing else is needed when signing up for the service.

How long does my name remain on the PFA notification list?

Your subscription will remain active indefinitely unless you would like to call 800-728-3858 to cancel.