 
Kent County Register of Deeds Launches 'Fraud Notify' System to Help Safeguard Property Owners
Grand Rapids, MI (March 14, 2024) – Kent County Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons announces the launch of its Fraud Notify system to help combat property fraud within Kent County.
“Home ownership has long-defined the American Dream and families work so hard to achieve that dream,” Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons said. “That’s why we’re launching Fraud Notify to offer Kent County property owners added peace of mind and powerful information in a world where threats aided by technological advances are a growing concern.”
The Fraud Notify system is a free service that alerts subscribers via email whenever a document bearing their name, or any other name they’ve designated, is recorded within the Kent County Register of Deeds Office. Upon receiving notification of a recording, property owners will be able to assess its validity and notify law enforcement if they suspect fraud.
“Unfortunately, there is no tool that will prevent property fraud completely, but Fraud Notify will help equip Kent County property owners with information they need in order to be aware if a theft has occurred, to respond quickly, and to seek justice,” Lyons concluded.
The theft of real property (including homes and vacant land) is a rapidly growing threat across the country. Property fraud occurs when someone records a fraudulent document at the county land records office, making it appear as if they own property that is not legally theirs. This occurs without the true owner ever knowing until they themselves attempt a real estate transaction on the property, which could be years, long after the crime had been committed. Most often, once the ownership is fraudulently altered, the property is then sold by the thief. Not only is the victim robbed of what is likely their greatest financial asset, but they are then left with the outstanding debt of any mortgage on the property and must navigate through the legal and criminal justice system at great expense.
Property owners interested in subscribing to Kent County’s Fraud Notify can do so at accesskent.com/fraudnotify.
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Media Availability: Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons will be available for interviews with media this afternoon, March 14. Contact Rob Macomber to schedule an interview.
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