Worried about deed or title fraud hitting close to home? If you own a home in Blacklick, Franklin County gives you two free tools that can alert you quickly if something changes on your name or parcel record. That fast heads‑up can be the difference between a quick fix and a long legal fight. In this guide, you’ll learn what each alert does, how to set them up in minutes, and what to do if a suspicious notice pops up. Let’s dive in.
What eAlerts do and why you need both
Franklin County provides two complementary alerts that watch different things. Using both gives you broader coverage.
Recorder Property Alert (name‑based)
- The Recorder’s system emails you when a recorded document contains a name you registered. A recorded document can be a deed, mortgage, or lien that the county accepts into the public record.
- Alerts list the matched name, instrument number, and recording date so you can pull the document fast.
- Create profiles for your full legal name and common variants. For example: Jane Q. Smith, Jane Smith, J. Q. Smith. Learn more and sign up on the county’s Recorder Property Alert page.
Auditor Property eAlerts (parcel‑based)
- The Auditor’s system emails you when your parcel’s tax record changes, such as owner name, mailing address, or assessed value.
- You sign up from your specific parcel page. The county explains the process on the Auditor’s Property eAlerts page.
Franklin County recommends enrolling in both because they monitor different systems and record types. The name alert helps you see new recordings tied to your name, while the parcel alert tracks changes to your tax and ownership record.
How deed and title fraud happens
Fraudsters may forge a deed, use stolen identities to file fake paperwork, or pressure owners into signing documents they don’t fully understand. Some target vacant, rental, or out‑of‑area properties where owners might not notice changes right away. Early detection matters because once a document is recorded, it can be used to try to get loans or even sell the property. National consumer guidance highlights this growing risk and the value of fast action if something looks off, as noted in this overview of deed theft and title fraud.
Step‑by‑step: Set up alerts for your Blacklick home
1) Enroll in Auditor Property eAlerts (parcel)
- Go to the county’s property search.
- Search by your Blacklick address, owner name, or parcel ID.
- On your parcel’s summary page, select “Sign Up for or Manage Property eAlerts,” then follow the prompts.
- If you own multiple parcels, repeat the sign‑up for each one.
2) Enroll in Recorder Property Alert (name)
- Visit the Recorder’s Property Alert page.
- Create a profile for each name on your deed, plus common variants and nicknames.
- If your deed lists a trust or company, register that trust or company name and any individuals who may appear on documents.
If an alert looks wrong: your first 6 moves
- Save the alert details.
- Keep the email, instrument number, recording date, and any links it includes.
- Get a certified copy of the document from the Recorder.
- The instrument number helps staff locate it fast. The Recorder’s contact and process are on the county’s Recorder FAQs page.
- Call the county offices right away.
- Franklin County Recorder: 614-525-3930. Staff can help identify the document and next administrative steps.
- Franklin County Auditor: 614-525-HOME (4663). Confirm parcel details or any changes showing on your tax record. See the Auditor’s eAlerts page for support options.
- File a police report for identity theft or property fraud.
- If you live inside Columbus city limits, you can file online through the Columbus Division of Police fraud reporting page. Otherwise contact the Franklin County Sheriff or your local police. The Sheriff directory is listed on the Ohio Attorney General’s site.
- Contact your title insurance company if you bought an owner’s policy.
- Title insurance often covers many title defects and can help coordinate a response and defense. Consumer sources recommend making this call early, echoing the guidance in Kiplinger’s deed theft overview.
- Consult a real estate attorney experienced in quiet title and fraud.
- An attorney can seek court orders to clear your title and stop further harm. For a plain‑English primer on these actions, see this guide to deed fraud and quiet title.
What county offices can and cannot do
County offices provide alerts, access to recorded documents, and help you retrieve copies quickly. They can explain how to search, how to request records, and who to contact next. They are essential partners when you need to review a suspicious filing.
They do not decide the legal validity of a document at the recording counter. Ohio law requires recording instruments that meet statutory form requirements, and ownership disputes are resolved in court if fraud is alleged. For background, see Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5301.
Practical tips to reduce risk
- Keep your mailing address current with the Auditor and your lender so you see notices quickly.
- Maintain your title insurance and keep your closing paperwork handy.
- Enroll in both alerts to cover name and parcel changes.
- Watch your mail for unusual bills or change notices and safeguard your mailbox.
- Register multiple name variants and all parcels you own.
Local contacts
- Franklin County Recorder’s Office: 614-525-3930. Sign up and FAQs on the Recorder Property Alert page and Recorder FAQs.
- Franklin County Auditor: 614-525-HOME (4663). Sign up details on the Property eAlerts page and parcel lookup at the property search.
- Law enforcement: File online with Columbus Police if applicable via the fraud reporting page or contact the Franklin County Sheriff using the state directory.
Protecting your title does not have to be complicated. With these free county alerts and a clear plan, you can spot issues fast and take action with confidence. If you want a local, trusted perspective on buying, selling, or next steps for your Blacklick property, reach out to Connie Sadowski for friendly guidance.
FAQs
Are Franklin County Property eAlerts free for Blacklick owners?
- Yes. Both the Recorder’s Property Alert and the Auditor’s Property eAlerts are free county services, and you can sign up online through the county pages.
What does the Recorder’s Property Alert monitor?
- It monitors recorded documents that include your registered name and emails you with the instrument number and recording date so you can review the filing.
What does the Auditor’s Property eAlert monitor for my parcel?
- It alerts you when your tax parcel record changes, such as owner name, mailing address, or assessed value.
Do alerts prevent deed or title fraud in Franklin County?
- No. Alerts do not stop a document from being recorded, but they notify you quickly so you can act fast with the county, police, your title insurer, and an attorney if needed.
What if an alert reflects a legitimate change I expected?
- Pull the document to confirm. If it is correct, keep the copy for your records. If you did not authorize the change, follow the immediate action steps in this guide.
