CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire property owners are being urged to keep a close watch on their real estate holdings as state officials report a growing number of fraudulent quit claim deed filings designed to steal ownership of homes, land and other properties—sometimes without the true owner even realizing it.

According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, scammers are using forged documents to file fraudulent property transfers with county registries of deeds. The con artists typically target properties that are vacant, mortgage-free, or owned by out-of-state residents. Once the bogus deed is recorded, the fraudsters may attempt to sell, lease, or mortgage the property for profit before anyone notices something is wrong.

Officials say that the rise of remote closings—where buyers, sellers, and agents never meet in person—has made it easier for criminals to use fake IDs and stolen personal information to pose as legitimate parties in a real estate transaction.

While there’s no guaranteed way to stop deed fraud, the Attorney General recommends several proactive steps to reduce risk:

  • Monitor your property on websites like Zillow or Redfin to spot unauthorized listings.

  • Set up Google Alerts and search social media platforms for mentions of your property.

  • Check public property records regularly through nhdeeds.org or carrollcountynhdeeds.gov for Carroll County.

  • Sign up for free alerts at propertyfraudalert.com to be notified when documents are recorded in your name.

  • Be aware of missing tax or water bills, which might indicate that account information has been changed.

If you suspect your property has been sold or transferred without your knowledge, state officials urge you to seek legal advice immediately. Victims or those with questions can contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-468-4454 or visit the Consumer Protection Bureau online at www.doj.nh.gov.