process for property protection

“unsuspecting customer ”

Karnes began tracking property fraud throughout the legislative cycle, which resulted in at least 15 reported incidents to his office in Lee County, and 92 reported to his office statewide

“That was just during the legislative session It was an indication of a growing trend in the community It is the responsibility of the local government to do what we can to protect homes,” Karnes said

That protection is part of his passion, as an individual pays a lot of money for a home, creates memories in that home and pays taxes on that home

“A criminal can take advantage of the system and steal it from someone,” Karnes said

The Lee Clerk of Courts offers a free service for homeowners to help prevent property fraud from happening Individuals are encouraged to fill out four fields at leeclerk org/fraudalert Within 24 hours of a deed, or other land record is recorded with the Clerk’s office using their name, or business name, the service notifies the individual Karnes said it is another tool to give homeowners a piece of mind, as well as providing homeowners the ability to contact law enforcement more quickly He said what they have found in most cases is homeowners do not know they are victims of fraud until they do not receive their property tax bill in November

There are around 550,000 parcels of land in Lee County with only 50,000 signed up for the free service

“There are private solutions out there, but they charge for that service,” Karnes said