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We know that protecting your credit union and members against fraud is your top priority. To help your staff better identify and stop fraud before it happens, the League has created a page on our website that has become the home for a variety of resources credit unions can use and share.
The latest addition to our Fraud Prevention Resources hub is a turn-key prevention campaign to raise awareness about home title theft. For your members who own a home, it’s likely one of the most expensive purchases they’ll ever make. It’s the culmination of the American dream. However, for some Americans, that dream becomes a nightmare—all because of a type of fraud called home title theft.
Home title theft, also known as deed theft, occurs when someone illegally steals someone’s identity to forge a deed to steal a victim’s home and put it into their name. The thief may use the home as collateral by applying for a home equity loan or line of credit in the victim’s name. If the home is unoccupied or vacant for periods of time, like a vacation home, the fraudster can even sell or rent out the house without the victim’s knowledge, pocketing the funds and then disappearing.
Help protect your members from falling victim by sharing the following resources:
This downloadable file contains the blog and social media graphics.
Post #1 – Learn More About Home Title Theft
Facebook and LinkedIn: For many, owning a home is the culmination of the American dream. However, for many Americans every year, that dream becomes a nightmare—all because of a type of fraud called home title theft. Read more about home title theft and learn how you can avoid being a victim here: https://mainecreditunions.org/financial-literacy-blog/home-title-theft/
X: For many, owning a home is the culmination of the American dream. However, that dream can become a nightmare—all because of a type of fraud called home title theft. Read more about home title theft and learn how you can avoid being a victim here: https://mainecreditunions.org/financial-literacy-blog/home-title-theft/
Instagram: For many, owning a home is the culmination of the American dream. However, that dream can become a nightmare—all because of a type of fraud called home title theft. Read more about home title theft and learn how you can avoid being a victim at the link in our bio.
Post #2 – How to Avoid Falling Victim to Home Title Theft
Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram: Home title theft occurs when someone illegally steals your identity and forges a deed to steal your home—either selling it to a buyer or taking out loans with your home as collateral. Following these tips can help prevent you from falling victim.
Below, please find a Total Money segment featuring the League’s Assistant Vice President of Communications & Outreach, Jen Burke:
Looking For More?
If your credit union is ever running a fraud prevention campaign or is interested in additional resources to share with staff or members, consider visiting the League’s Fraud Prevention Resources page or our public-facing page on the Maine Credit Unions’ website.
Fraudsters and scammers are ever evolving and deceptively clever in their attempts to obtain your members’ money and personal information. The League team is committed to providing you with the tools and education needed to help safeguard your membership against financial exploitation.