Jackson Register Worried About New Frauds

The Jackson County Register of Deeds office concerned about recent fraud attempts against property owners.

Jackson County Register of Deeds Michelle Hix said an incident happened in December where a property owner in the county realized their property was sold without the owner knowing. Hix said the property was sold by an individual from another country who pretended to be the property owner and somehow the individual was able to maneuver through a real estate company and an attorney without being caught. Hix said the incident was shocking.

“In my mind, I never really thought people could steal your property,” Hix said. “I mean it’s just you know, stealing someone’s billfold and someone’s property is totally different. So it’s been alarming for me as the register of deeds that people can really do this.”

Hix said the Register of Deeds office has a fraud alert system that notifies property owners of suspicious action that has happened regarding their property. Hix said she strongly encourages property owners to call and make sure they are on the fraud alert list.

“Just get your name in here and get your email in here and we will get it in there and try to get you your protection,” Hix said. “Maybe as it goes down the line we can get some more protection but right now this is all that’s offered and we will do all we can do.”

Hix said if you are a property owner and are receiving suspicious phone calls or letters about your property the best thing to do is call the Register of Deeds office.

“If you get a call from anyone and you don’t recognize that number you hang up on them,” Hix said. “Don’t give them any information because our office is open to assist you in any kind of way and we will do all we can to keep your property safe.”

Hix said incidents like these don’t happen often in Jackson County but it usually seems to only happen to property owners who do not live on the property. Hix said if you think it would never happen to you then think again as scammers are adapting and are becoming harder to stop. Hix said the property owner involved in the incident has since been taken care of but not after having to go through court to get the property back.