Empowering Healthy Business Podcast Episode 47 : Landman Explains Protecting Your Home Against Title Fraud & Squatters
Homeowners today face more risks than ever, not just from credit card fraud or identity theft, but also from crimes that target real estate directly. One of the fastest-growing threats is title fraud, where criminals record false deeds and attempt to profit from property they don’t own. Another rising issue is squatters, who occupy vacant homes and can tie up owners in costly legal battles.
In this episode of the Empowering Healthy Business Podcast, host Calvin Wilder speaks with Curt Moore, founder of Moat Title Security, who brings a unique perspective. With a 30-year career as a landman in the oil and gas industry, Kurt has spent decades working with public records and legal contracts. Now, he helps homeowners across the country protect their homes against title fraud and squatters.
What Is Title Fraud?
Title fraud happens when someone records a fake deed in the public record, transferring ownership from the real owner to a fraudulent one. Criminals don’t want to move into your home. Instead, they use forged deeds to:
- Take out mortgages on the property and disappear with the funds
- Attempt quick “resales” to unsuspecting buyers
- Collect deposits or earnest money before vanishing
Even though the legitimate owner usually keeps the property, the damage can be severe. Victims must go through a quiet title action—a lengthy and expensive legal process to restore ownership records.
This crime often targets elderly homeowners with high-value properties and little or no mortgage, making them especially vulnerable.
Protecting Your Home Against Title Fraud
Moore’s solution is proactive. His company offers a Notice of Title Freeze, a legal filing that signals to public records offices that no transactions, such as sales or mortgages, can occur on the property without the owner’s explicit release.
This acts like a “credit freeze” for real estate. Just as a credit freeze prevents criminals from opening accounts in your name, a title freeze deters fraudsters from recording fake deeds. When combined with monitoring services, it gives property owners stronger protection and faster recourse.
The Risk of Squatters
Squatting is another rising challenge. During and after the pandemic, cases increased where individuals claimed rights to occupy vacant homes. Squatters often:
- Break in, change locks, and switch utilities into their names
- Present fake leases to law enforcement
- Force property owners into civil court battles to remove them
The result? Months of legal delays, high costs, and property damage.
To address this, Moore developed a Notice of Occupancy—a filing stating no one has the right to occupy the property. If squatters attempt to claim rights, the document provides evidence to law enforcement and courts, helping speed removal.
Why Awareness Matters
Fraudsters rely on property owners being unaware of these risks. Many assume, “It won’t happen to me,” until they face thousands of legal costs. By learning about these issues early and recording protective notices, homeowners can:
- Deter criminals from targeting their property
- Reduce legal headaches if fraud occurs
- Protect vulnerable family members, especially the elderly
- Gain peace of mind knowing their property is secure
Conclusion
Protecting your home against title fraud and squatters is not about fear; it’s about preparation. Just as you insure your car or lock your doors, filing a title freeze or notice of occupancy is another layer of defense.
As Curt Moore explains, the goal is to be proactive, not reactive. Homeowners who act now will save time, money, and stress later.
Want to go deeper? Listen to the full conversation with Tom Freedman on the Empowering Healthy Business Podcast