How to Spot Fraud After Moving Into a New Home

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also make you a target for scammers who prey on new homeowners. Understanding common types of fraud can help you stay protected as you settle in. Here's what to watch out for:

1. Fake Deed and Title Requests

Shortly after moving in, you may receive official-looking letters urging you to pay for a certified copy of your deed or title. These letters often appear urgent and official, but they are typically scams. You do not need to pay a third party for your deed — you can obtain a copy from your local county clerk's office for a small fee or even access it online.

2. Home Warranty Scams

Scammers may send letters or make calls claiming that your home warranty has expired or urging you to purchase a new one. These messages can be designed to create a false sense of urgency, pressuring you into paying for a fake or unnecessary service. Verify the legitimacy of any home warranty offers by contacting your original provider directly.

3. Mortgage Protection Fraud

You might receive offers for "mortgage protection services" that claim to help you in case of job loss or death. While legitimate mortgage protection insurance exists, scammers often disguise unnecessary or fake services as essential protections. Always verify offers with your lender before making any payments.

4. Property Tax Scams

Some new homeowners receive fraudulent letters demanding immediate payment for property taxes or offering "services" to help lower your tax bill for a fee. Confirm your property tax bill and payment process directly with your local tax assessor's office.

5. Utility Scams

Shortly after moving in, you might receive calls from individuals claiming to represent your utility companies, demanding payment to avoid service interruptions. Legitimate utility companies typically send written notices for any issues and will not pressure you over the phone. Contact your utility provider directly using the information provided when you set up your service.

6. Contractor Scams

Scammers may pose as handymen or contractors offering urgent repairs for issues you may not have noticed yet. Be cautious of unsolicited repair offers and always verify a contractor’s credentials before agreeing to any work. Obtain multiple estimates and ask for references when possible.

7. Change of Address Scams

Fraudulent websites may claim to assist with changing your address but charge excessive fees or fail to update your address at all. Always update your address directly with the official USPS website (www.usps.com) to avoid these scams.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify all mail: Scrutinize any mail requesting payment or personal information. If in doubt, contact the relevant agency directly.

• Monitor your credit: Consider setting up a credit monitoring service to catch any suspicious activity early.

• Secure your information: Avoid sharing sensitive documents or personal data with unknown parties.

• Research thoroughly: If an offer sounds too good to be true or overly urgent, it probably is. Take time to investigate before taking action.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from scams and enjoy your new home with peace of mind. If you ever receive suspicious mail or calls, trust your instincts and verify everything through official channels. For any questions or to verify requests, reach out to your trusted brokers at Legacy 100 or your mortgage broker for guidance.