Homeowners Beware: The Rising Threat of Property Deed Fraud in Florida

Tampa Couple’s Home Stolen in Shocking Deed Fraud Scheme

TAMPA, FL — Larry and Dreama Bilby thought their dream home was safe, nestled in the heart of Tampa and under construction. With security cameras monitoring the property, they felt secure, even while not living there. However, their peace of mind was shattered when they noticed suspicious activity and received a startling notification from the county clerk’s office: a change to the deed of their home.

In a shocking twist, the Bilbys discovered that scammers had executed a simple yet effective scheme to claim ownership of their property using a fraudulent quitclaim deed, filed for less than a dollar. “Just like that, your house is stolen. It’s gone,” Larry Bilby told ABC reporters. “It only cost 70 cents and some paperwork.”

The Bilbys’ ordeal is not an isolated incident. Florida prosecutor Michael Lennon revealed that the culprits, Michelle Cherry and Victor Rodriguez, had targeted multiple properties in the area, making repeated trips to the county clerk’s office. Using forged signatures on fraudulent quitclaim deeds, the couple successfully claimed ownership of at least three properties before being arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.

A quitclaim deed is a legal document that allows for the quick transfer of property ownership without the need for a sale. While typically used for benign purposes, such as transferring family property, the minimal documentation required makes it a prime target for fraudsters. In cases like the Bilbys’, scammers forge signatures and file these deeds, effectively stealing homes and enabling them to secure loans or sell the properties to unsuspecting buyers.

The Bilbys credit their county clerk’s property fraud alerts for notifying them of the unauthorized change in their deed, which ultimately led to the capture of the fraudsters. Florida officials are now calling for legal reforms to combat the growing issue of quitclaim deed fraud, which has left many homeowners vulnerable.

To protect against such schemes, experts recommend several practical steps. Homeowners should check if their local county clerk’s office offers property fraud alerts, which can notify them of any changes to their deed via phone or email. Additionally, maintaining vigilance over properties, even when unoccupied, can help deter fraudsters who often target what they perceive as abandoned homes.

Moreover, limiting the information shared online and setting up digital delivery for important documents can help safeguard against identity theft and fraud. Until stricter regulations are enacted, homeowners are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their properties.

As the Bilbys navigate the aftermath of this unsettling experience, their story serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners everywhere about the importance of vigilance in an age where property fraud is on the rise.