Property Fraud Alert

This FREE service offers you an important tool to help secure your property from any potential fraud. Since the Clerk's Office launched our Property Fraud Alert system, nearly 33,000 individuals and businesses have already signed up to help secure their homes and businesses from potential scammers. We invite you to join with them. It is quick and easy to sign up!

How It Works

Property Fraud Alert monitors names, rather than specific addresses. When you sign up for the service, you enter the name of an individual or business you want monitored. Anytime a document is recorded in Duval County that matches the name selected, you will receive an alert.

It is important to remember that receiving an alert is not generally a cause for concern. All the alert means is that a document was recorded using the name you are monitoring. The alert includes a document number that allows you to review the recorded document on the Clerk's Official Records portal to determine if:

The document is unrelated to you, and is just someone with a similar name.
The document is related to you, but it is a legitimately recorded document.
The document is related you, and it does look suspicious.

If the document does fall into the third category, this gives you the opportunity to contact law enforcement and take any necessary steps to protect your property. For a list of other suggested actions to consider taking, please review the FAQ section below.

Register for Property Fraud Alert for Free

Go to the Property Fraud Alerts website.
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 can choose to receive the alerts by email, text, or voice call.

You may repeat the process to monitor as many additional names as you would like. If you enter an email address, you will receive a confirmation message.

Please note: All contact information provided when signing up for Property Fraud Alert is exempt from public disclosure per 28.47(5)(b), Florida Statutes.

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 search option (outlined in red below) and enter the document number from your Property Fraud Alert.

If, after reviewing the document, 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

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What is Property Fraud?

Scammers file fake deeds or other documents into the Official Record, making it appear as if they own homes or businesses that are not actually theirs. These scammers then trick people into giving them money to rent or buy those homes.

What to do if I believe I am victim of property fraud?

There are a number of actions you should consider taking, depending on the circumstances of the suspected fraud. Your first call should always be to law enforcement. Some other potential options include:

Report fraud to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. A police report may be needed to take further action.
If you have a title insurance provider, notify them - acting fast can help limit the damage.
Notify the Florida Department of State if your signature was notarized without your knowledge.
Report fraudulent listings to the platform where they appear (Zillow, Redfin, Craigslist, etc.)
If you suspect a scam involving a licensed real estate agent, report it to the National Association of Realtors and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
If you suspect fraud involving a licensed attorney, report it to the Florida Bar.
Neither the Clerk's Office, Property Appraiser, or Tax Collector can take legal action on your behalf to reverse fraudulent activity. Therefore, you may wish to consult an attorney to take appropriate action, if necessary.

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. However, each clerk in Florida offers a similar service for documents recorded in their 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.