COLUMBUS — Local law enforcement and property officials are sounding the alarm after a surge in sophisticated real estate scams targeting Bartholomew County homeowners and buyers.
According to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, investigators have identified at least five recent attempts of “seller impersonation fraud” in the last month alone. These scams, often traced to international syndicates as far away as Nigeria, aim to illegally transfer property titles or steal closing funds from unsuspecting buyers.
Fraudsters, often referred to as “Title Pirates,” scan public land records to identify properties—frequently vacant land or homes with out-of-state owners. They then create high-quality fake IDs and forged documents to list the property for sale, posing as the legitimate owner.
Investigators say, these investigations are incredibly complex and often require multiple subpoenas to internet and phone service providers to track the digital trail left by overseas actors.
Authorities noted that these scammers rely on speed and anonymity to succeed. Watch for these warning signs:
- Impersonal Communication: The seller refuses in-person meetings or video calls, insisting on email or text only.
- Unrealistic Pricing: The property is listed well below market value to attract quick, cash-only offers.
- Rushed Closing: Scammers often push for a “lightning-fast” sale, sometimes offering to waive standard protections.
- Notary Demands: The seller insists on using their own remote notary rather than one vetted by a local title company or attorney.
Protecting Your Property: Free “Property Watch”
The Bartholomew County Recorder’s Office is urging all residents to sign up for Doxpop Property Watch, a free service that acts as an early warning system.
- What it does: Sends an automated email or text alert whenever a document (like a deed or mortgage) is filed under your name or property description.
- What it doesn’t do: It cannot physically block a fraudulent filing, but it allows you to catch it immediately.
- Contact: To enroll or report suspicious activity, call the Recorder’s Office at 812-379-1520.
On the Bartholomew County Recorder’s Website you can visit the official county page for more information on land records and local recording requirements.
Sheriff’s Office Safety Checklist
To guard against title fraud, the Sheriff’s Office recommends these “Best Practices”:
Get Title Insurance: Always obtain a policy that specifically protects against forgery and unauthorized claims.
Verify Identity: Demand a video call where the seller holds up a government-issued ID.
Ask “Owner-Only” Questions: Inquire about specific property history that wouldn’t be in a public listing.
Cross-Check Contact Info: Don’t rely on the phone number in the listing; find the owner’s address in tax records and send a physical letter to verify the sale.
Compare Signatures: Ask the title company to compare the seller’s current signature against older, recorded documents.
