Property Fraud
Why do fraudulent documents get recorded?
The Clerk must record all documents that meet the requirements outlined in the Florida Statutes.
If a document is properly executed and presented with payment, it is the responsibility of the Clerk's
office to record the document.
What is Property Fraud Alert?
Property Fraud Alert is a free service offered by the Clerk & Comptroller, Charlotte County, that helps
the public protect their property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the Official
Records of the Clerk's office.
How can I sign up for this service?
Signing up is quick and easy! Simply follow these steps:
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If a document is recorded that matches your monitoring criteria, you will receive an alert within 24
hours. The alert will provide you with a document number, which is the Clerk's File Number or Instrument Number.
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Search online at Official Records to view
the actual document. To search using the Clerk's File Number, choose the Instrument Number icon and enter the
Instrument number from your Property Fraud Alert notification.
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For assistance, please contact the Clerk & Comptroller’s Recording Department at (941) 637-2335 or
recording@CharlotteClerk.com.
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If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact law enforcement.
Can I sign up even if I don't own property in Charlotte County?
Yes, in the event a document is recorded with the name you chose to monitor, you will receive an alert.
Does this service alert me of documents being recorded in other counties?
No, this service only alerts subscribers of documents being recorded in the Charlotte County Official Records.
If I have a common name, what will distinguish my alerts from another person’s?
There is nothing that will distinguish one name from another. Therefore, a person with a common name,
like Jim Jones, may receive alerts for documents recorded with the same name. View the document using
our online
Official Records search to
determine if the recorded document is relevant to you or your property.
Can I include a middle name when entering a name to be monitored?
Yes, you can add a middle name after the first name in the same field. If you choose to do this, it is highly
recommended that you also enter your name without the middle name.
How are people committing fraud in this way?
Fraud can be committed in a number of ways by recording documents in public records. For example, someone can
create a fraudulent document that will deed your home to them and then record that document in the Official
Records.
How does this monitoring system work?
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Sign up for this free subscription service either online at online at
Official Records Fraud Alert
or by calling 941-637-2335
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Enter the personal or business name to monitor
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Provide the email address or telephone number you would like alerts sent to.
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Monitor additional names by repeating the process
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You will receive an alert within 24 business hours whenever any document is recorded in Charlotte County
matching the name(s) you chose to monitor
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This alert allows you to be informed of any recording activity taking place and to take timely action if you
determine the activity is fraudulent
What documents do I need to gather before signing up for this service?
The only information you need to provide is your first and last name along with your email address or phone
number, depending on your preferred contact method. Nothing else is needed when signing up for the service.
Is any special hardware or software needed to sign up online?
No, simply
register online
using your internet browser or call 941-637-2335 to register by phone.
I received an alert - now what? How can I view the document?
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The alert email will provide you with a document number, which is the Clerk's File Number or CFN. To
view the document, search the online at
Official Records Fraud Alert
. Review the legal disclaimer, and click on "Accept" at the bottom. Then choose the CFN
tab at the top. Enter the document number from your Property Fraud Alert and click search.
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For assistance, please contact the Clerk & Comptroller’s Recording Department at 941-637-2335 or
recording@charlotteclerk.com.
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If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact law enforcement.
How do I change or cancel my Property Fraud Alert subscription?
To change or cancel your Property Fraud Alert subscription access the fraud alert site and enter your email,
select the button “Receive Email to Edit Alerts”. You will then receive an email with all names or
businesses you chose to monitor.