Williamsburg-James City County court clerk urges homeowners to sign up for free deed alert service

JAMES CITY COUNTY – Property owners in Virginia can now sign up for an alert program that officials say could help protect against deed fraud.

VADeed Alert, a free, voluntary service developed by the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), can help residents safeguard their properties against unauthorized transactions in Virginia courts.

Deed fraud happens when someone impersonating the rightful owner of a property fraudulently transfers the property title or lists the property for sale without approval.

A 2025 report prepared for the Virginia General Assembly found that deed fraud “increasingly affects landowners and buyers across the commonwealth,” and is particularly prevalent among vacant properties.

Fraudsters “forge signatures and impersonate property owners, often advertising rushed, cash-only sales,” the study noted.

Elizabeth E. O’Connor, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Williamsburg-James City County, said local property owners should take action to safeguard against the crime.

“Deed fraud is a growing concern nationwide,” O’Connor said. “VADeed Alert gives property owners a simple and effective way to stay informed and take quick action if something doesn’t look right.”

Also known as title fraud, title theft and seller impersonation fraud, deed fraud occurs most often in cities and suburbs. In April 2024 alone, nearly one in five title insurers saw at least one deed fraud attempt, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The system sends electronic notifications whenever a document is recorded in the local land records that matches their name or Tax Map/Parcel ID number. The alerts can offer an early warning of potentially fraudulent activity, like unauthorized deed transfers or filings.

The service does not prevent documents from being recorded but serves as an additional layer of awareness, according to O’Connor. Residents will be able to review activity related to their property and can contact the clerk’s office or seek legal advice if needed.

All property owners in Virginia can use VADeed Alert. Users can monitor their name, business name or Parcel ID number. Notifications are sent by email.

New legislation, SB 316, was recently signed into law in Virginia to help reduce deed fraud. The bill implements enhanced seller identity verification procedures and new record-keeping requirements for notaries.

Residents can sign up for the VADeed Alert service here. Residents with questions about the system or local land records may contact the Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at (757) 564-2349.