August 7, 2023
RE: Recent property fraud attempts have been reported in Leelanau County
We have all heard about property being fraudulently sold and Leelanau County is no longer immune to this activity. Recent property fraud attempts have been reported to the Leelanau County Register of Deeds by some property owners. These attempts have been stopped when it was brought to the owner’s attention their property was fraudulently listed.
If you see a neighbor’s property up for sale, inquire with the owner. The digital age has not only made real estate transactions go more quickly it has also made it easier for these predators to commit these kinds of crimes. Leelanau County Register of Deeds has continued to require wet ink signature deeds, and not allowed digital recording for this very reason; making it harder for predators to commit these crimes.
Leelanau County Register of Deeds also has a Fraud Notify Service in place at no cost to the property owner. When you subscribe online, Fraud Notify will send you an automated email alert when a document is recorded under the name(s) you register.
Please feel free to contact our office (231) 256-9682 or email rod@leelanau.gov with additional questions.
Jennifer L. Grant
Leelanau County Register of Deeds
Please visit the "Fraud Guard" page on the Register of Deeds page for additional information - https://www.leelanau.gov/howdoia.asp?rid=194