Register of Deeds urges residents to use county—s free property‑fraud alert

Jessica Spalding, Cumberland County Register of Deeds, briefed the Board of Commissioners on local protections against deed fraud and the county—s free property‑fraud alert service. Spalding said deed fraud is showing up in Maine and is typically aimed at vacant parcels or unencumbered second homes because there is no mortgage lien to delay an illicit transfer.

"Deed fraud ... is a scam where criminals illegally try to transfer someone's property," Spalding said. She described how the transfers are often civil‑law fights to restore title and can cost rightful owners significant time and expense. Spalding told commissioners that Maine recently passed deed‑fraud legislation to establish a state commission; that commission is preparing recommendations and is expected to deliver a report in December.

Spalding told the commissioners the county offers a property‑fraud e‑mail alert that is free to Cumberland County constituents. "What this service does is it alerts you via email if a document has been recorded in your name," she said. She encouraged residents to monitor online county records, sign up for the county alert, check for unexpected or duplicate mail (for example, not receiving a tax bill can be a sign something is wrong), and ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on vacant property.

Spalding also urged anyone who suspects internet‑facilitated fraud to file a complaint with the FBI—s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and said the county registry will assist residents who need help enrolling in the alert service.

The Register—s office will post information about the alert service and enrollment steps on the county website and staff offered to help sign residents up in person at the registry.

The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken by the board at the meeting.