EquityProtect is partnering with title companies to give property owners enhanced safeguards against property fraud that complement their existing title insurance.
EquityProtect’s free title monitoring service adds an extra layer of protection by alerting property owners to any changes in their property title, according to a release. While it does not prevent fraud, it empowers homeowners to take corrective action before serious issues arise.
For property types or states where the American Land Title Association (ALTA) Homeowners Policy is unavailable, or for those who did not purchase it at closing, EquityProtect offers services that help prevent financial crimes before they occur, potentially eliminating the risk of a title claim.
“Many property owners assume that title insurance fully protects their title, but unfortunately, it may not always safeguard against post-closing fraud,” EquityProtect Chief Strategy Officer Jon Dovidio said in a release. “Traditional title insurance policies cover only issues that arise before a transaction’s closing date. In some states, the ALTA Homeowners Policy may offer additional post-closing fraud protection, such as coverage for forgery or impersonation affecting the title. However, these policies typically apply only to 1–4 unit residential properties and may include restrictions based on the identity of the fraudster.”
This gap in protection is why more title companies are partnering with EquityProtect, according to Dovidio.
“Our premium preventative technology provides clients with continuous and comprehensive protection against deed and title theft—covering everything from raw land to skyscrapers,” Dovidio added. “With EquityProtect, fraud is fraud, no matter what type of property it is.”
Al Alfonso, president of Pacific Coast Title Co., emphasized the importance of proactive fraud prevention.
“EquityProtect is one of the most unique and potentially game-changing solutions I have seen in my 30 years in the title industry,” Alfonso said. “Deed theft is a growing concern as cybercrimes become increasingly sophisticated. It’s critical that property owners feel protected, and I believe EquityProtect is a powerful way to achieve that.”