Cumberland County Register of Deeds Lee Warren wishes to remind residents of the Property Notification service, which can be utilized as a defense against fraud by keeping property owners informed about documents recorded in the office that include their names.
 
The Cumberland County Register of Deeds is highlighting the Property Notification service after a highly publicized fraud case in Wake County in which a suspect was able to obtain the deed to a home by filing a false warranty claim and obtaining the deed to the home.
 
The Property Notification service is a free, proactive tool to help owners monitor property records and protect against potential fraud. It also allows property owners to act quickly at the first notice of suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions.
 
Those who participate in Property Notification service will receive an email when a document with their name is filed with the Cumberland County Register of Deeds office. The documents include deeds changing property ownership, a deed of trust, mortgage, or other related instrument. The email will include details such as the name matched, date of filing and book and page reference. It will also provide a direct link to view the document on the land records search site.
 
The Property Notification service is not a guaranteed protection against fraud, but it can serve as an early warning to take appropriate action if needed. If an unauthorized document is filed, it is recommended the property owner contact a Real Estate lawyer for further assistance.
 
To register with the Property Notification service, go to the Cumberland County Register of Deeds website at www.ccrod.org. Click on “Records Search” and then “New Property Notification” and follow the instructions to register.
 
Full Press Release

The Register of Deeds office is in Room 114 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, located at 117 Dick St., Fayetteville. Call 910-678-7775 or go to www.ccrod.org for more information.