Retirement Retirement Planning

The FBI Is Warning Homeowners About This Overlooked Retirement Risk

Retirees should know how to safeguard one of their biggest assets.

By Roxana Loomes , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Oct. 31, 2026

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Many people consider paying off their mortgage a cornerstone of their retirement plan. Without a monthly mortgage payment, they have more room in their budget and a valuable asset to support their financial future.

Yet owning a home outright is not without risks. Property scammers may see your mortgage-free home as an opportunity. The FBI has warned that criminals are impersonating property owners, forging deeds, and attempting to sell land and homes behind the rightful owners' backs.

Here's how deed fraud works, what warning signs to watch for, and how to protect one of your most valuable retirement assets.

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Why scammers target homes without mortgages

In an April 2025 warning, the FBI's Boston division described schemes in which fraudsters search public records for vacant properties and homes without mortgages or other liens. They then impersonate the owners and attempt to sell the properties, sometimes without the real owners realizing anything is wrong until after the transaction is complete.

Why are criminals interested in paid-off homes? A property without a mortgage or other lien may involve fewer parties in the sale process. An existing mortgage lender isn't involved in reviewing the transaction, and scammers may see fewer obstacles to exploiting gaps in identity verification.

Criminals may also target vacant land, second homes, and rental properties because they can do much of the process remotely without input from the actual owner.

A July 2026 case announced by the U.S. Department of Justice illustrates the problem's potential scale. Prosecutors charged three men in connection with alleged multistate deed fraud and money laundering schemes.

According to the charging documents, one defendant and alleged co-conspirators targeted vacant, mortgage-free properties in four states, impersonated the owners using fake identification and online accounts, and attempted to sell the properties to unsuspecting buyers. The alleged fraud involved approximately $1.5 million.

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Red flags that could signal home title fraud

Deed fraud involves using forged documents or false identities to make it appear that a property's ownership has changed. Once they record a fraudulent transfer, criminals may attempt to sell, rent out, or borrow against the land or home.

To protect yourself, watch out for these potential red flags.

Unexpected sale or transfer notices

You receive correspondence about a property listing, deed transfer, or real estate transaction you never authorized.

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Missing property tax or utility bills

Bills you normally receive suddenly stop arriving. The FBI advises homeowners to investigate unexpected changes in their usual property-related mail.

Unexplained activity at your property

Neighbors report strangers visiting, a for-sale sign appears, or contractors arrive to work on a property you haven't listed or authorized anyone to access.

Unfamiliar documents in property records

An online search reveals a deed, transfer, or other filing you don't recognize.

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Unexpected mortgage or lien information

You discover a loan or lien connected to your property that you never agreed to.

How to protect yourself from deed fraud

The signs above don't automatically mean fraud has occurred, but they warrant prompt investigation. The FBI has documented cases where owners learned about fraudulent sales only after a real estate agent contacted them or work began on their land.

To avoid a similar situation, consider the following precautions.

Set up property record alerts

Contact your county clerk or local land records office to see whether it offers title or deed alerts. These services may notify you when documents involving your property are filed. Availability varies by jurisdiction, so ask what monitoring options are offered locally.

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Check your property records periodically

Look up your home's ownership records through the appropriate local government office or official online database. Confirm that the recorded ownership information is correct and investigate any unfamiliar transfers, deeds, or liens.

Keep an eye on property-related mail

Pay attention if property tax bills, utility statements, or other official correspondence suddenly stop arriving. Contact the relevant agency or provider to confirm your mailing address and account status rather than assuming a missed bill is a routine mistake.

Protect your personal information

Scammers may use information available online or elsewhere to impersonate property owners. Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal documents, and secure your email and other online accounts with strong, unique passwords and multifactor authentication where available.

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Be especially vigilant about vacant properties

If you own a second home or rental property, arrange periodic checks. Ask a trusted neighbor or property manager to alert you to unexpected visitors, for-sale signs, or contractors on the property.

Understand your local protections

Ask your county recorder, land registry, or a real estate attorney what procedures apply if someone attempts to transfer your property fraudulently. Also ask whether additional identity verification or other safeguards are available. Property laws and recording procedures vary by location.

What to do if you suspect fraud

Report suspected fraud to local law enforcement and the FBI. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center accepts reports at IC3.gov. If the scheme involved a money transfer, contact the relevant financial institution and law enforcement immediately. The FBI says prompt reporting helps investigators and banks attempt to stop transfers and recover funds.

Bottom line

Your paid-off home is one of the most visible signs of financial success in retirement. However, paying off a mortgage doesn't eliminate every risk associated with homeownership. Fraudsters exploit public records, stolen personal information, and gaps in identity verification to transfer property without your authorization.

You don't have to live in fear of losing your home. Instead, create a maintenance routine that includes checking your property records and setting up available alerts. A little vigilance helps you spot suspicious activity early and protect the asset you've worked so hard to own outright.

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