Free real estate fraud-fighting notification service now available

SAN DIEGO – San Diego County’s Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, led by Chief Deputy Assessor Jordan Marks, has released “Owner Alert,” a free real estate fraud notification service.

Owner Alert sends subscribers that register with the service an automated email notification anytime a document is recorded with the Recorder’s office that transfers title to the property or records a lien on a registered name.

Marks said, “Owner Alert is a free fraud-fighting service from your San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s office that notifies San Diego property owners anytime title is transferred on their most precious asset, their home or property.”

Marks continued, “Our San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s office has delivered this free and easy service to protect homeowners and put criminals on notice that San Diego property owners will be alerted if they try to commit title theft. A key step forward in discouraging title theft in San Diego County.”

Marks concluded, “As Chief Deputy Assessor overseeing Taxpayer Advocacy, my goal is to sign up every San Diego property owner for our free Owner Alert real estate fraud notification service today, so we can begin protecting you!”

To enroll in the free fraud notification service go to http://www.SDARCC.com and look for the check mark with the shield. It is free and easy to sign up and takes less than five minutes. To sign up property owners will need:

· E-mail address

· Individual and/or Business names to monitor

· Property Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) to monitor

Property APNs can be found on annual property tax bills (highlighted in yellow) or by using the free APN lookup tool on the website.

For more information about Owner Alert, e-mail [email protected] or call 619-238-8158. For in-person assistance, visit any of the five offices located conveniently throughout San Diego County. Visit http://www.SDARCC.com for a list of locations and hours of operation.