YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meacham on Tuesday announced the launch of two new property fraud alert systems available through his office.
“I want criminals put on notice – this office will do everything in our power to prevent a fraudulent property transfer,” Meacham said.
The Fraudulent Transfer Prevention Alert aims to prevent a fraudulent transfer of property before it takes place by notifying a homeowner when a real estate deed attempting to transfer property ownership is brought to the auditor’s office for processing. Applying for this alert requires homeowners to appear in the auditor’s office in person and provide a valid picture ID, a recent piece of mail for proof of residency and a copy of their deed. The alert can be placed only on the primary residence of the owner; it cannot be used for vacant land, rental properties, commercial properties, etc.
The Property Ownership Alert provides notification to taxpayers after a transfer of property ownership has taken place. When a change in ownership takes place, the subscriber receives a notification email alerting them to the transfer. To subscribe to this alert, users must register HERE.
There is no fee for either service, and homeowners can place both alerts on their home.
“This is just the first step in our attempt to protect homeowners,” Meacham said. “The process will evolve and improve over time. A home is most people’s biggest asset. Working together with homeowners will help protect their investment.”