Township Administrator’s Corner by Vito Sinopoli

Over the past several years, the incidence of fraud involving real property records has seen a troubling increase across the United States, and Summit County has not been immune to this trend. Fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, often exploiting gaps in record-keeping systems to illegally transfer property ownership, forge documents, or make unauthorized changes to the property records of others. These activities can have devastating consequences for property owners, leading to financial loss, legal battles and, in some cases, the loss of ownership rights altogether.

Recognizing the need for a better defense against such threats, Summit County has taken a significant step toward protecting property owners from the growing threat of real estate fraud with the launch of a new Property Record Alert system. This proactive measure, adopted by the Summit County Fiscal Office, aims to enhance the security and transparency of property transactions and ownership by alerting property owners when any documents are recorded using personal information on their property records.

The primary goal of this system is to empower property owners by keeping them informed of any irregularities or unauthorized actions related to their property records, thereby enabling them to take swift action to protect their real property assets.

The Property Record Alert system is designed to notify property owners whenever documents are recorded on their property records. Property owners could then review the transactions to confirm if they were legitimate or indicate a potential fraud attempt such as unauthorized changes to ownership details, the filing of fraudulent deeds or any other anomalies.

Property owners who register for the alert system will receive notifications directly from the Summit County Fiscal Office. These notifications will be sent via email or other designated communication channel, providing a timely and efficient means of communication. The notifications will include specific details about the recorded document activity detected and will offer guidance on how to verify or address any potential issues.

To register for this vital notification service, property owners are encouraged to visit the official registration link: summitcountyoh-web.tylerhost.net/web. Registration is straightforward, and the service is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that all property owners can easily access and benefit from this protective measure.

Upon receiving an alert, it is crucial for property owners to review the information provided carefully. The notification will outline the nature of the recorded documents, and in many cases, will provide instructions on the steps that need to be taken to verify the legitimacy of the transaction, or to correct any discrepancies.

If a property owner suspects that fraud has occurred, he or she should immediately contact the Summit County Fiscal Office for assistance. The office will provide guidance on the necessary legal actions, which may include filing a police report, initiating a court process to invalidate fraudulent documents, or working with legal professionals to restore rightful ownership.

While the Property Record Alert system is a powerful tool in the fight against real estate fraud, it is not a substitute for personal vigilance. Property owners are strongly encouraged to regularly monitor their property records for any discrepancies or unauthorized changes. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, property owners can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to real estate fraud. Property records can be accessed through the Summit County Fiscal Office’s online portal. Any discrepancies or unusual activity should be reported immediately.

By notifying property owners of documents recorded using their personal information as soon as it is detected, the Summit County Fiscal Office is helping to ensure that property owners can act quickly to safeguard their real property assets. However, the success of this system depends not only on the alerts themselves, but also on the vigilance of property owners in monitoring their records and taking prompt action when necessary.

For more information about the Property Record Alert system and other services offered by the Summit County Fiscal Office, visit the Summit County website or contact the Fiscal Office directly at fiscaloffice.summitoh.net. ∞