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Board raises recording fee to $10 as DA warns title fraud is rising
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Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a $5 increase to the fee for recording real‑estate instruments to support anti‑fraud and enforcement activities. The district attorney's office described title fraud as the most common scheme and discussed notification and interagency prevention steps.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on April 28 to increase the fee for recording a real estate instrument from $5 to $10, a change supporters said will help fund fraud-prevention and enforcement work.
Supervisor Barger, who moved the item, questioned the district attorney's office about prevailing scams and how the county can better protect homeowners. The DA's office responded that the most common scheme encountered is title fraud, often carried out by people recording fraudulent deeds or liens to interfere with property ownership.
"The most common type of real estate fraud that we've seen as far as long as I've been there is title fraud," said a DA representative to the board, describing typical tactics and the need for public vigilance.
Board members and the DA discussed practical safeguards. The recorder's office and assessor cross-checks can trigger mail notifications to the last known taxpaying address; the DA's office recommended homeowners sign up for an e-notification through the assessor as an early warning.
During public comment, callers urged the board to ensure the additional $5 is directed to departments that will perform forensic accounting and fraud prevention work. One caller also raised concerns about so-called "death deed" scams, where family disputes or forged documents are used to transfer property.
The board approved the fee increase on a motion by Supervisor Barger, seconded by Supervisor Hahn. The roll call vote was unanimous. Several board members asked staff to return with details on how fee revenue will be allocated and whether existing prevention units (for example, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and the DA) can apply for allotted funds under government code rules.
What happens next: The resolution was adopted; the transcript does not specify the exact allocation plan for the added revenue. County staff and law enforcement representatives indicated existing procedures (assessor notification, recorder's return-to address checks) and noted the possibility of legislative changes to increase penalties for repeat offenders.
