Contra County DA, Recorder Implement Plan Notifying Property Owners Of Recent R/E Recordings In Effort To Curb Title Thefts Due To Land Doc Forgeries

From the Office of the Contra Costa County, California District Attorney:

• Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark A. Peterson, in joint cooperation with County Clerk-Recorder Steve Weir, announces the implementation of a real estate fraud notification program. This process is made possible with the cooperation of the County Assessor Gus Kramer through inter-county data sharing.



• Beginning November 1, 2011, citizens will be 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 District Attorney's Real Estate Fraud Unit will be provided. The property owner will be able to inquire about the details of the transaction or notify the District Attorney of potential fraud.



• 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.

Go here for the Contra Costa County DA press release.