Title theft is preventable in Georgia in 2025 due to a new state law and a free, statewide notification system. While no single measure can completely eliminate the risk, these tools significantly increase your ability to detect and stop fraud quickly.
New
state law effective in 2025
Following a history of vulnerabilities that allowed criminals to file fraudulent deeds without showing ID, Georgia implemented new safeguards with House Bill 1292, which became effective on January 1, 2025.
The
new law includes:
· Identity verification: When
a deed or other real estate record is filed, the filer's identity must now be
validated. This prevents criminals from impersonating a property owner to steal
a home.
· Mandatory
e-filing: "Self-filers" must file deeds electronically through
the Georgia Superior Court Clerk's Authority (GSCCCA), which verifies the
filer's identity before processing.
· Increased penalties: The law strengthens penalties for proven forged-deed cases.
Free
notification system
The
most powerful tool for homeowners is the Filing Activity Notification
System (FANS), a free service provided by the GSCCCA.
· How it works: When
you sign up, FANS sends you an email or text alert anytime a document is filed
with your name or property address.
· The benefit: This
service acts as an early warning system. If you receive an alert for a filing
you didn't authorize, you can immediately contact the clerk's office and police
to intervene before the fraud can be finalized.
· How to sign up: You can register for free on the GSCCCA website at https://fans.gsccca.org/.
Other
preventive actions you can take
In
addition to the new law and the FANS system, you can take further steps to
protect your property:
· Monitor your credit
reports. Check your credit reports regularly for signs of identity theft,
as fraudsters often use stolen identities to obtain loans against a property.
· Watch your
mail. Keep an eye out for missing property tax or mortgage statements,
which can be a sign that a thief has changed your mailing address.
· Be cautious with
documents. Never sign over your interest in a property unless you
fully understand the document. Consider consulting an attorney for advice.
· Secure vacant properties. If you own a vacation home or investment property, monitor it regularly, as unoccupied properties are common targets for title fraud.
Is title theft preventable in Georgia in 2025 ? Yes, vehicle title theft is preventable in Georgia in 2025 by taking protective measures and using state programs.
While no method is 100% foolproof, a combination of state-provided tools and personal vigilance significantly reduces the risk of becoming a victim.
Georgia
state programs and laws
· Filing Activity
Notification System (FANS): This is a free alert system offered through
the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). It notifies
you via email or text when real estate and personal property records, such as a
vehicle title, are filed under your name in a Georgia county.
· Electronic Lien and
Title (ELT) Program: This program provides paperless vehicle titles for
vehicles with a lien. Because the title is held electronically by the Georgia
Department of Revenue and the lienholder, it cannot be stolen from your home or
car.
· House Bill 1292 (HB 1292): Effective January 1, 2025, this new law requires identity validation for anyone filing real estate or personal property records in Georgia. This makes it more difficult for a thief to impersonate you to file fraudulent paperwork and claim ownership of your vehicle.
Steps
you can take to prevent vehicle title theft
· Never leave your title
in your vehicle: Store your physical vehicle title in a secure location,
like a fireproof safe at home, and not in your car or glove box.
· Be wary of suspicious
buyers: If you are selling a used car, watch out for red flags that could
indicate a fraudulent buyer. These include:
o Reluctance to meet in
person or provide proper identification.
o Offer for a newer
vehicle at an unrealistically low, bargain price.
o A recently issued or
tampered-with title.
· Verify title
information when buying: If you are purchasing a used vehicle, take steps
to ensure the seller has a legitimate title.
o Meet at the
DMV: The most secure way to complete a private sale is by accompanying the
seller to the Department of Driver Services (DDS) to transfer the title.
o Run a VIN
check: Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to get a vehicle
history report from a service like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information
System (NMVTIS) to check for salvage titles and other issues.
· Protect your personal information: Do not leave documents with your home address or other personal details in your car, as thieves can use them to commit identity theft.
https://www.google.com/search?q=is+title+theft+preventable+in+georgia+usa+in+2025+ai
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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