What is Property Fraud?

Scammers file fake deeds, making it appear as if they own homes that are not actually theirs. These scammers then trick people into giving them money to rent or buy those homes. According to the FBI, these types of property fraud are the fastest growing white-collar crime committed in the United States.

Register for Property Fraud Alert for Free

Register to receive free alerts whenever a document such as a deed or mortgage is recorded in Duval County using your name or your business’s name. You can choose to get alerts by email or by phone.

If you receive an alert about suspicious activity, this early notification can provide valuable time to stop criminals in their tracks.

Sign Up for Alerts

• Go to the Property Fraud Alerts website  or call 800-728-3858.
• Click ‘Continue’ to begin the registration process.
• Choose whether you would like to monitor a person’s name or a business name.
• Enter the name you would like to monitor.
• Enter either an email address or telephone number you would like the alerts sent to.

You may repeat the process to monitor additional names. If you entered an email address, you will receive a confirmation message.

If You Receive an Alert

• If a document is recorded that matches your monitoring criteria, you will receive an alert within 48 hours.
• The alert will provide you with a document number, which is the Clerk's Instrument Number.
• Search the online Official Records to view the actual document. To search using the Clerk’s Instrument Number, choose the Instrument Number tab at the top and enter the document number from your Property Fraud Alert.
• If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500. You may also consider seeking legal advice or even filing a case in civil court.

Change or Cancel Your Subscription

To change or cancel your Property Fraud Alerts subscription, please call 1-800-728-3858.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do fraudulent documents get recorded?

The Clerk’s Office is required to record all documents that meet the requirements outlined in Florida Statute. If a document is properly executed and presented with payment, it is the duty of the Clerk to record the document.

Does this service alert me of documents being recorded in other counties?

No, this service only alerts subscribers of documents being recorded in Duval County.

If I have a common name, what will distinguish my alerts from another person’s?

There is nothing that will distinguish one name from another. Therefore, a person with a common name, like John Smith, may receive alerts for documents recorded with the same name. View the document using our online Official Records search to determine if the recorded document is relevant to you or your property.