Hanlon Announces Property Fraud Alert System

Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon announced this morning that a new property fraud alert system is available to county real estate owners.  The system will send an email or voice mail to registered users whenever a document matching an owner’s name is filed with the Recording Division of Hanlon’s office.

“Property fraud is considered a growing trend,” Hanlon said. “The new Property Fraud Alert will enable users in Monmouth County to proactively respond to potentially fraudulent activity involving their property.”

Subscribers will be notified when the name they have submitted to the alert system is used in any recording activities within the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office. Users with common names may receive multiple alerts.

“The service is quick and easy to sign up for, and provides extra peace of mind to property owners,” Hanlon said. “Participants can choose whether to receive the alerts via e-mail or over the phone.”

The system is free to property owners.  To sign up click here or call 1-800-728-3858.

A subscriber can easily verify the information received via an alert and view the actual document that was recorded by visiting the Monmouth County Open Public Record Search website at oprs.co.monmouth.nj.us, or by calling the Property Fraud Alert call center at 1-800-728-3858. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hanlon told MMM that the system tracks documents filed by name rather than by lot and block because municipalities sometimes change the lot and block designation of properties.  Addresses are often inaccurate on documents filed.  “While some property owners may get alerts meant for someone with a similar name, we determined that this is the best available option to get started,” she said.

“The best defense we can offer against property fraud is proactive protection,” said Hanlon. “Therefore, I encourage all Monmouth County property owners to sign up for this free service.”