The FBI Boston Division warns of rising quit claim deed fraud, where criminals forge documents to transfer property ownership without the owner's knowledge. Be cautious of unsolicited offers, and report suspicious activity to the authorities.

Residents should be aware that in Massachusetts a forged deed is not valid and conveys nothing. If a buyer or a lender relies on a forged deed and doesn’t do their due diligence on a property’s title, they are out of luck. They, not the legitimate property owner, will ultimately lose any money paid to the thief. However, there may still be other actions individuals need to take as a result of the fraud including contacting law enforcement. Visit this website to see a list of contacts for local, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies: www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Law-Enforcement-Contacts.pdf

Interested residents can sign up for the Consumer Notification Service from the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds to receive an alert any time a Norfolk County land document is recorded in their name: www.norfolkdeeds.org/services/consumer-notification-service

Read the full article from the FBI Boston Division at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston/news/fbi-boston-warns-quit-claim-deed-fraud-is-on-the-rise-

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 The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High St., in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101 or email us at [email protected].