Here’s an original, SEO-optimized blog version that avoids plagiarism, keeps your real estate audience in mind, and properly cites the source.

Chester County Offers Free Fraud Guard to Protect Homeowners From Property Deed Scams

Property title fraud is on the rise across Pennsylvania—and Chester County homeowners are now being offered a powerful, free tool to help protect their real estate. The Chester County Recorder of Deeds is encouraging residents to enroll in Fraud Guard, a monitoring service that alerts property owners when suspicious activity is recorded against their property.

For homeowners, buyers, sellers, and real estate investors, this is an important layer of protection in a market where scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

What Is Fraud Guard?

Fraud Guard—also referred to as Fraud Notify—is a free property monitoring service provided by the Chester County Recorder of Deeds. Once enrolled, homeowners receive an email alert within about 48 hours whenever a land record is filed under their name or property identification number.

This includes documents such as:

• Deeds

• Mortgages

• Liens

• Other recorded property documents

If something looks suspicious, the owner can quickly contact the Recorder of Deeds office and local authorities to stop potential fraud before major damage occurs.

Why Property Fraud Is a Growing Concern

Real estate fraud has become a serious issue nationwide, and Chester County is no exception. Local officials and real estate professionals report recent incidents where scammers attempted to sell or transfer properties without the owner’s knowledge.

These criminals often target:

• Vacant homes

• Rental properties

• Elderly homeowners

• Properties without mortgages

Because property records are public, scammers can exploit the system unless owners actively monitor their records.

You Don’t Need Paid “Title Lock” Services

County officials stress that residents do not need to pay for private “title lock” or deed monitoring services. Fraud Guard offers similar protection at no cost, directly through the county.

This makes it one of the easiest and most affordable ways to protect your biggest investment—your home.

Source: Chester County; 2/5/2026