They Stole My Home, and No One Would Listen

When government fails to guard against fraud, ordinary citizens pay the price

Imagine receiving a mortgage statement for a home you’ve already paid off, and being told that if you don’t pay, you’ll be evicted. When you go to the police, you’re told that your home was stolen from underneath you. Someone forged your signature on the deed, took out a $100,000 loan against it, and left you holding the bag. Worse yet, when you try to prove the fraud, you’re told the burden of proof is on you, not law enforcement.

Has this happened? Yes. Many times. And it’s a growing threat nationwide.

Property and mortgage fraud is one of the fastest-growing white-collar crimes in America. Scammers often target vacant homes, mortgage-free homes, and homes owned by older adults and others who may be financially vulnerable. Because the government doesn’t necessarily notify you that your property has been transferred, it may take months or even years before you notice.

Here’s how it works: thieves file fraudulent documents — often quit claim deeds — with the local County Recorder of Deeds to transfer ownership illegally. Once the property appears to belong to them, they may try to sell it or take out a mortgage against it. It’s worse than a burglar breaking into your home and taking your things; with mortgage fraud, they steal the entire home and the land it sits on.

Unfortunately, few safeguards exist to prevent this crime. Recorder offices mainly check that documents are complete and fees are paid, not whether signatures are forged. As if to help the thieves do their job, many county recorder offices allow anyone to walk in anonymously and access public records containing homeowners’ signatures, Social Security numbers, and other personal details. With that information, it becomes surprisingly easy for criminals to impersonate someone and steal their property. They don’t even have to set foot on your property; all the dirty work takes place at the county office.

Isn’t our government doing anything about it?

Here in Missouri, there have been efforts to address the problem. In January 2025, Representative Phil Amato introduced House Bill 323, which would have required county recorders to verify real estate transactions with property owners personally. Unfortunately, the bill died in committee. Apparently, there were other priorities.

When the government is doing its job, it protects citizens from real threats to life and property. But when lawmakers are distracted by endless culture wars, it leaves ordinary people vulnerable to real criminals who undermine our safety and our way of life.

Originally published in the Frontline Progressive, November 6, 2025