Property Fraud Alert

• Can I include a middle name when entering a name to be monitored?

  Yes, you can include a middle name using the middle name input field. If you choose to do this, it is highly recommended that you also register to monitor separately for the name that includes only the middle initial and for the name that doesn't include the middle name. For example, "Mary Ellen Smith" should be registered as "Mary Smith", "Mary Ellen Smith" and "Mary E Smith".

• Can I sign up even if I don't own property in Palm Beach County?

  Yes, in the event a document is recorded with the name you chose to monitor, you will receive an alert.

• Does this service alert me of documents being recorded in other counties?

  No, this service only alerts subscribers of documents being recorded in the Palm Beach County Official Records.

• How are people committing fraud in this way?

  Fraud can be committed in a number of ways by recording documents in public records. For example, someone can create a fraudulent document that will deed your home to them and then record that document in the Official Records.

• How can I sign up for this service?

  Signing up is quick and easy! Simply follow these steps:

  • Go to the Property Fraud Alerts website
  • Choose whether you would like to monitor a person’s name or a business name.
  • Enter the name you would like to monitor.
  • Enter the email address where you would like the alerts sent.
  • Enter the address and/or parcel number you would like to monitor. These fields are optional.
  • Choose a language for your alerts, and then click "Send confirmation email."
  • Check your email and complete the registration process to finish setting up your free alerts.
  
  

  You may repeat the process to monitor additional names, addresses and/or parcel numbers, or different variations of the same name and address.

• How do I change or cancel my Property Fraud Alert subscription?

  You may cancel your Property Fraud Alerts subscription at any time though our website. You will need the email address you used to subscribe.

  • Go to the Property Fraud Alerts website.
  • Fill in your email address in both the "Email Address" and "Confirm Email Address" fields.
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click "Unregister from Property Fraud Alert".
  • You will receive a confirmation email. Click on the link in the email to cancel your subscription.
  
  

  To change your subscription, please cancel your existing subscription and then resubscribe with your updated information.

• How does this monitoring system work?

  • Sign up for this free subscription service online
  • Enter the personal or business name, address and/or parcel number to monitor.
  • Provide the email address where you would like to receive alerts.
  • Monitor additional names, addresses and/or parcel numbers by repeating the process. You will receive an alert within 24 business hours whenever any document is recorded in Palm Beach County that exactly matches the criteria you chose to monitor.
  • This alert allows you to be informed of any recording activity taking place and to take timely action if you determine the activity is fraudulent.

• I received an alert - now what? How can I view the document?

  The alert email will include a link to view the actual document on the online Official Records website, as well as the document type, Clerk's File Number, and book and page number. Some Official Records Documents may not be placed on a publicly available internet website according to Florida Statute 28.2221. These documents are Military Discharges, Death Certificates, Court Files, Records or Papers related to matters or cases governed by the Florida Rules of Family Law, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure, or the Florida Rules of Probate. Images of these documents are available for viewing inside our offices.

  If you are not able to view a document or need any assistance, please contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Recording Department at (561) 355-2991 or PropertyFraudAlerts@mypalmbeachclerk.com.

  If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, please seek legal advice and contact law enforcement. You may also consider filing a case in civil court.

• If I have a common name, what will distinguish my alerts from another person’s?

  There is nothing that will distinguish one name from another. Therefore, a person with a common name, like "John Smith", may receive alerts for documents recorded for other people with the same name.   

  Once you receive an alert, use the link in the email to view the document and determine if the recorded document is relevant to you or your property.

• Is any special hardware or software needed to sign up online?

  No, simply register online using your internet browser. All features of the Property Fraud Alert website have been verified to work with the following browsers:

  • Chrome
  • Edge

• What documents do I need to gather before signing up for this service?

  The only information you must provide is your name and email address. If you would like to monitor a specific address and/or parcel number, you will need that information also. Nothing else is required when signing up for the service.

• What is Property Fraud Alert?

  Property Fraud Alert is a free service offered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County, that helps the public protect their property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the Official Records of the Clerk's office.

• Why do fraudulent documents get recorded?

  The Clerk must record all documents that meet the requirements outlined in the Florida Statutes. If a document is properly executed and presented with payment, it is the responsibility of the Clerk's office to record the document.