SPRINGFIELD – In order to combat fraud, State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure through the Senate that would create an alert system to notify property owners when a deed or instrument has been filed on their property.

“People work hard to be able to say they own a property in their name,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This legislation would ensure your hard-earned property is protected from common scam tactics and deception.”

Senate Bill 1523 would require county recorders to establish a fraud referral and review process to review deeds and other instruments and a fraud alert system to notify property owners when a deed or instrument has been filed on their property. The bill creates a legal pathway for any rightful property owner against any person who fraudulently files a deed or other instrument.

"Deed fraud" applies to a variety of crimes in which a criminal seeks financial gain through various schemes involving real property. Most of these schemes involve impersonating the actual owner and recording fake or forged documents to record a false transfer of property. Once the transfer is made, the individual can then sell the home, take out a mortgage on it, or even rent it out to tenants to turn a profit. These crimes result in legal costs, reduction in equity or property value or even property loss.

Turner brought the legislation forward in response to a constituent, who lives in Chatham and owns property in Decatur, who was a victim of false deed transfer. According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud losses in 2023 were over $10 billion, with nearly $2.7 billion coming from impostor scams.

“It is my job as a senator to be on the lookout for my constituents when it comes to this kind of financial deception,” said Turner. “As always, I urge anyone in the 48th District to reach out to my office if you need help.”

Senate Bill 1523 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.