Vigilant agents across the country are helping create a safer, stronger industry
By Adam Mohrbacher
From the rolling hills of Missouri to the coastal plains of Florida, fraud continues to threaten real estate transactions across the country. In response, an increasing number of Alliant National agents are answering the call to help identify and stop fraudulent activity. Over the years, these agents have prevented dozens of fraudulent transactions from moving forward, saving millions of dollars in proposed liability. Here, we take a closer look at fraud prevention efforts from the past year, as well as the agencies recognized through Alliant National’s Crime Watch program.
A problem with a massive scope
Not that anyone really doubts it, but the data continues to confirm that real estate fraud in the United States is pervasive. ALTA’s 2025 Cybercrime Study, for example, showed that over 40% of title companies reported getting at least one email per month attempting to change wire instructions.[i] A survey from the National Association of Realtors paints an even more disturbing picture, with 63% of respondents indicating they were aware of deed/title fraud in their markets within the past 12 months.[ii]
In her recent claims wrap-up blog, Alliant National’s Chief Claims Counsel, Mauri Hawkins, also emphasized that title and real estate fraud is arguably getting worse—not better. “In my opinion, it appears there has been an increase in the number of submitted title claim notices involving lawsuits challenging the validity and veracity of recorded real property instruments or the authority of a person to execute documents on behalf of a person or entity in the chain of title,” she noted.
The sheer amount of fraud is not the only problem the industry is facing. Fraudsters’ increasingly advanced methods also pose a clear threat. They are “leveraging social engineering and devices to manipulate, influence and deceive; they continue to prey on what they see as a lucrative market and a quick payday,”[iii] said Hawkins.
The role of Alliant National agents
Many Alliant National agents have continued to push back against this ever-rising tide of fraud across the United States. In 2025, their vigilance resulted in $1.6 million in savings. Alliant National helped support and incentivize these efforts through its Crime Watch program. The program issues $1,000 each time an eligible agent who meets the program criteria discovers and prevents fraud. The program awarded $11,000 to agents in 2025 alone, reinforcing Alliant National’s commitment to proactive fraud prevention.
Alliant National’s 2025 Crime Watch Award Recipients:
| AGENT | STATE | PROPOSED LIABILITY AMOUNT OF THE TRANSACTION |
| Alpha Title Guaranty, Inc. | Missouri | $ 30,000.00 |
| Aransas County Title /Texas Lone Star | Texas | $ 245,000.00 |
| Ellis County Title | Texas | $ 240,000.00 |
| First International Title | Florida | $ 300,000.00 |
| First International Title | Florida | $ 350,000.00 |
| First International Title | Florida | $ 70,000.00 |
| Michigan Investment Title | Michigan | $ 20,600.00 |
| Saint Lawrence Title, Inc. | Florida | $ 125,000.00 |
| Sovereign Title Services | Oklahoma | $ 165,000.00 |
| Texas Secure Title Company | Texas | $ 80,000.00 |
| Tropics Title Services Inc. | Florida | $ 23,500.00 |
What agencies can do
There are many lessons agencies can draw from these real-world experiences. Aransas County Title’s Brooke Turner, who prevented a nearly $250K transaction from going forward, explained that: “We look at everything associated with identities and banking accounts—including handwriting. If the handwriting on recorded documents doesn’t match the contract or wiring instructions, it’s a huge red flag.”[iv]
Tropics Title Services’ Jean Thomas, who blocked a fraudulent $23K transaction, echoed Turner’s comments on the importance of being comprehensive, as well as having strong internal protocols in place. “I followed my gut, adhered to best practices and followed our tried-and-true policies for dealing with suspicious activities,” Thomas reflected. “Fraud is not going away in this industry, unfortunately,” she continued. “We must ensure that we thoroughly investigate any deals that carry sufficient red flags.”[v]
These efforts align with Alliant National’s new Verify, Then Trust initiative—designed to raise awareness and reinforce best practices that help stop fraud before it becomes a claim. Agents are urged to Verify, Then Trust on every file, every party, every time.
Additional best practices aligned with a “Verify, Then Trust” mindset include:
- When possible, always speak to the customer directly rather than relying on digital communication.
- Always encrypt sensitive information such as wire instructions.
- Foster a highly collaborative agency culture to ensure collective expertise is brought to bear on suspicious transactions.
- Stay up to date on the latest news and trends related to real estate fraud and title claims. The Alliant National website blog remains a phenomenal source of information on everything from claims and cybersecurity tips to how to prepare for a data breach.
- Take advantage of continuing education classes offered through the Alliant National Academy that focus on fraud, cybersecurity and compliance.
- Remember: when something feels off with a transaction, it probably is. Trust yourself and take action. As they say, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Make this a year of anti-fraud activity
Whether your agency is well-versed in addressing fraud or just beginning to put formal policies in place, now is the time to act. Working collaboratively with Alliant National can help support your efforts to identify and respond to potential fraud. Let’s continue working together to promote a safer and more successful industry—by remembering to Verify, Then Trust. Want to learn
[i] ALTA – Title Companies Help Mitigate Risk of Wire Fraud, ALTA Cybercrime Study Shows
[ii] Deed and Title Fraud Survey
[iii] Claims: A Look Back At 2025 – Alliant National Title Insurance Co.
[iv] Texas Title Agent Spots Red Flags, Stops Dubious Deal – Alliant National Title Insurance Co.
[v] Two Alliant National Agents Take the Fight To Fraudsters – Alliant National Title Insurance Co.
