Deed fraud is one of the fastest-growing threats to property ownership in America.

 

It happens when someone files a forged deed against your property, ,transferring ownership without your knowledge or consent.

 

This is not rare.

It targets seniors.

It targets vacant homes.

It targets inherited property passed down through families for generations.

 

And it can happen to any homeowner.

 

It happened to my family.

 

After my grandfather passed away, a fraudulent deed was filed and recorded against his property in Charlotte, North Carolina—by someone with no legal right to it.

 

A criminal conviction was obtained.

 

But the fraudulent deed is still sitting in Mecklenburg County’s public records.

 

Why?

 

Because North Carolina has no clear, streamlined process for a property owner or heir to correct a fraudulent deed once it has been recorded.

 

Let that sink in.

 

Even when fraud is proven… the document can remain.

 

Right now, North Carolina has a chance to fix this.

 

House Bill 535 and Senate Bill 423 - the Title Fraud Prevention Act  would:

 

✅ Create free, automatic deed fraud alerts for property owners

✅ Allow property owners and heirs to challenge fraudulent deeds without an attorney

✅ Require identity verification before deeds are recorded

✅ Require deeds to show the source of title

✅ Increase penalties for high-value deed fraud

✅ Allow victims to pursue financial damages

✅ Hold licensed professionals accountable for participation in fraud

 

Other states are already acting.

 

Texas strengthened protections in 2025.

Georgia passed identity verification requirements.

California is implementing statewide fraud alerts.

 

North Carolina has not.

 

And right now, property owners are exposed.

We are calling on the North Carolina General Assembly to pass HB 535 and SB 423 immediately—and for Josh Stein to sign them into law.

 

This is not just about one family.

 

This is about protecting every homeowner, every heir, and every property in North Carolina.

Sign this petition. Share it. Contact your legislators.

 

Neal Jackson -  n.jackson@ncleg.net | (919) 733-4111

Benton Sawrey -  b.sawrey@ncleg.net | (919) 715-3040

 

North Carolina must close this gap.

Pass the Title Fraud Prevention Act now.

 

 Tammy B. Legette

Licensed NC Real Estate Broker

Heir | Founder, Inherited Property Navigator™