A recent federal case shows how ownership can be challenged on paper and why a few simple safeguards matter more than most people realize.
Here’s something I didn’t expect to see in a federal indictment this year: 17 St. Louis homes allegedly transferred using fake deeds. Not sold. Not foreclosed. Just reassigned on paper through forged documents. If you’re wondering how that could even happen, you’re not alone. I had the same question. So I dug into how our recording system actually works, where the gaps are, and what homeowners should know.
According to prosecutors, stolen identities, forged signatures, and fraudulent notarizations were used to file deeds that made it appear someone else owned these properties. The documents looked official. They were recorded like any other transfer. And that’s the part most people don’t realize. Recorders of deeds don’t verify ownership. They record documents. If paperwork meets filing standards, it’s entered into the public record. The system relies on honesty because checking every signature would grind real estate to a halt. Most filings are legitimate. That’s what makes the rare fraudulent one so disruptive. Even though courts eventually unwind these situations, the rightful owner can face months of legal clean-up, title issues, and delays. And that’s not exactly how anyone wants to spend their Tuesday.
Fraud like this usually isn’t random. It tends to involve properties where no one is watching closely:
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Vacant homes
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Rentals
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Estate or inherited properties
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Out-of-town owners
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Elderly owners
In other words, houses that look quiet on paper. That’s why this case matters beyond the headline. It’s not just a strange crime story. It’s a reminder that your title history is part of your property’s security.
Simple ways to protect yourself
The good news is that protection doesn’t require anything complicated.
A few basic steps go a long way:
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Keep an owner’s title insurance policy
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Enroll in your county’s property fraud alerts
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Check your property record occasionally
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Be cautious about unexpected paperwork or transfer requests
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Work with trusted local professionals when making ownership changes
This isn’t about fear. It’s simply about awareness.
Real estate is still one of the safest ways to build wealth, and cases like this are rare. But they’re a good reminder that the quiet, behind-the-scenes details matter.
Sometimes protecting your home has less to do with the locks on the doors and more to do with what shows up at the recorder’s office.
It’s also why having someone local who keeps an eye on these things can make all the difference.
Karen Moeller
🌐 STLKaren.com
📧 Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
📞 314.678.7866
About the Author:
Karen Moeller is a St. Louis area REALTOR® with MORE, REALTORS® and a regular contributor to St. Louis Real Estate News, helping clients make informed, data-driven decisions.
