Judge of Probate Kimberly G. Kervin is proud to announce that the Autauga County Probate Court now offers the R.E.A.A.C.T.(Real Estate Activity Alert and Contact Tool) Program as a free service to alert property owners of potential property fraud. An email notification will be sent within 24 hours to subscribers when a deed, mortgage, lien, or other county-specified land record with their registered name on it that has been recorded in the Probate Court's official records.

According to the FBI, property fraud is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes. Deed fraud can occur when someone records a fraudulent document in the official records, apparently changing the ownership of their property. Fraudulent mortgages and liens could also be recorded with respect to a property. Oftentimes, this type of fraud can go undetected if the property owner does not periodically check the official records. Although checking does not prevent the actual fraudulent activity from takin place, it does provide an early warning of what may have otherwise gone undetected.

The Autauga County Probate Court only reviews requirements for recording and has no authority to refuse to record a property prepared document, even if it may be fraudulent. Even if proven fraudulent, no document can be removed from the official records without a judge's order from the courts.

Individuals may visit www.autaugacountyprobateoffice.com, click on the tab ONLINE RECORDS, click on the tab R.E.A.A.C.T. or follow this link: https://altags.com/autauga_probate/recordingnamecheck.aspx to sign up for the program. After signing up for the program, the registration process may be repeated as many times as desired for personal names or variations of names per email address. A participant may unregister at any time by following the same registration process, and will receive an email to complete the alert removal.

If an email notification is received from "R.E.A.A.C.T. Alert," a document has been recorded that matches the name registered. The participant can review the document to confirm if it is potential fraud or another type of record. The alert will provide the participant with a document information.

If someone suspects they are a victim of fraud, contact Local Enforcement Agency and consult an attorney to confirm ownership in the property or to determine whether there is a need to take other appropriate legal action to reverse the fraudulent recording. Neither the Probate Court, Property Tax, or Appraisal offices can take legal action on to reverse the fraudulent activity.

Any additional questions about the program can be submitted to Kim.Kervin@autauga.com