WINNSBORO — Fairfield County residents now have a free line of defense against the rising national threat of property fraud.
The Fairfield County Register of Deeds, with the vocal support of the Sheriff’s Office, has launched a new fraud alert system designed to notify property owners the moment a document is filed in their name. The service is being offered at no cost to taxpayers, providing a local alternative to private monitoring companies that often charge monthly fees for similar protection.
The system is a direct response to a crime the FBI calls “home title theft.” In these cases, criminals use stolen personal information to file fraudulent deeds or liens, making it appear they legally own a property. Once the title is compromised, scammers can attempt to sell the land or take out massive loans using the property as collateral.
This is not a theoretical threat for Fairfield County. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed it has actively investigated recent cases involving individuals attempting to sell land that did not belong to them.
“These are not theoretical crimes—they are happening, and they can affect anyone,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a public alert. “The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office fully supports and welcomes this service as a proactive tool that can alert citizens much earlier and help prevent further victimization.”
How the System Works
Residents can sign up for the service through the Fairfield County Register of Deeds website. Once an account is created, the system monitors all filings within the county. If a document—such as a deed transfer or a lien—is recorded under a participant’s name, an automatic email alert is sent to the owner.
While the system currently relies on email notifications, the Clerk’s Office is reportedly working on a feature to provide text message alerts in the near future.
Officials emphasized that early detection is the primary goal. Discovering a fraudulent filing immediately allows an owner to contact law enforcement and legal counsel before a scammer can successfully sell the property or disappear with loan proceeds.
Property owners can register for the free service at fairfieldsc.avenuinsights.com. Those with questions or those who require assistance with the signup process are encouraged to contact the Fairfield County Register of Deeds office directly.
How to Stay Protected
Beyond signing up for the county’s new alert system, the FBI and local law enforcement recommend several proactive steps to outsmart fraudsters:
Monitor Records: Periodically check online property records to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.
Watch Your Bills: Take immediate action if you suddenly stop receiving property tax or utility bills.
Physical Checks: If you own vacant land or a secondary home, drive by the property occasionally to ensure no unauthorized “For Sale” signs have appeared.
Encrypted Apps: Be wary of any buyer or seller who insists on using only encrypted messaging apps for real estate transactions.