East Texas alert program tracks possible property fraud

GREGG COUNTY, Texas ( KETK ) – Residents of five East Texas counties can utilize a free Property Fraud Alert (PFA) program that allows their county recorder’s office to track possible fraud affecting their property and have their name monitored.

According to PFA, they are an online service for property owners that provides an early warning system if possible fraudulent activity takes place.

“PFA is a free notification service that alerts subscribers each time a document is recorded with their name on it in the participating County Land Records office,” their website said.

Bowie, Gregg, Cass, Panola and Upshur counties are participating in the service, joining 31 other Texas counties and 20 states.

Property owners who sign up for the service can select a method of notification either email, text or a phone call, PFA said.

People can subscribe for the service in multiple counties, under various names and different contact information just by revisiting the sign up form. The website said that in order for the PFA system to work as intended it is best to make separate subscription entries if the property owner has different spellings of their name.

“The threat of mortgage fraud and identity theft crimes continue to rise, and all too often victims of these types of fraudulent activities are unaware their homes or identity have been stolen,” PFA said.

If people need help to sign up for the service, they can contact 800-728-3858.

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