Property Title Fraud Protection
Title Insurance from First Title helps protect homeowners from financial loss due to fraud, including forged documents, identity theft, and other fraudulent claims that could jeopardize property ownership.
Protect you and your property title from fraud
Property title fraud is an escalating risk that can strip owners of their rights or trigger costly legal battles—often before they realise anything is wrong. In most cases, fraudsters assume the owner’s identity or forge documents to unlawfully transfer the property or use it as security for profit.
Common forms of property fraud include forged documents used to unlawfully sell land to unsuspecting buyers. Another is identity theft, where criminals impersonate the owner to gain access to or transfer ownership of a property. Fraudulent mortgages may also be taken out using the land as collateral—sometimes resulting in a property being used as security for debts the owner did not authorise or incur.
Title Insurance for property buyers offers a powerful layer of protection against these risks. It covers losses arising from fraud, forgery and other title defects that could threaten your ownership or result in a financial loss. With First Title’s one-off premium policy, you gain peace of mind knowing that you're safeguarded from unexpected legal costs and complications.
Learn more about First Title today.
Title Insurance for property fraud protection
Property fraud may seem unlikely, but if it happens, the consequences can be devastating. Imagine discovering that someone has fraudulently sold your property or taken out a mortgage against it without your knowledge. The repercussions can include confusion and disputes over rightful ownership, expensive legal battles and significant financial loss, not to mention the emotional toll of trying to reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
While avoiding property fraud through careful due diligence is important, even the most cautious buyers can be caught off guard. Title Insurance can provide a single, one-off solution to protect against this such scenarios. It can help cover the legal expenses, financial losses and time-consuming processes involved in resolving fraudulent claims, giving peace of mind that ownership is secure.
What it covers
Title Insurance provides coverage for losses when someone gains rights to your property through fraudulent or unlawful means. This includes situations where ownership or interest in your land is transferred or affected due to:
- Impersonation – someone unlawfully poses as you to sell or transfer your property.
- Duress – coercion or pressure used to force a property transaction.
- Incapacity or incompetency – transactions made when a person is legally unable to give valid consent.
- Fraud – any deceptive act intended to unlawfully alter ownership or financial interest in your property.
Importantly, First Title’s policy protects you from fraud that may occur before, during and after the policy date, offering comprehensive, long-term security.
Does Title Insurance cover fraud? To see how we can provide cover for your specific property needs, refer to our Important Information and Policy Wording documents. Caps and exclusions apply.
What documentation do I need to submit a claim?
You will need to give the following information to file a claim for property fraud under your Title Insurance policy:
- A copy of the police report – Ensure the incident is reported to the police and obtain official documentation outlining the details of the fraud or forgery.
- Written documentation – Prepare a clear, written account describing the nature of the fraud, how it was discovered and any supporting evidence you may have.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, you can start the process online.
Lodge your claim through our Claims Portal.
Protect your property against fraud with First Title
With over 30 years of experience in the Australian property market, First Title is a trusted leader in Title Insurance, helping buyers, owners and investors protect their property against fraud and other hidden risks. Our deep understanding of local laws and property processes means we know how to identify and cover gaps that others might miss, providing reliable protection against forged documents, identity theft and fraudulent property dealings.
Our policies are backed by a team of experts who support you before, during and after your property settlement. Whether you're buying your first home or managing a portfolio, with First Title property fraud protection, we give you the confidence to move forward, knowing you're protected.
Get a quote, ask a question or lodge a claim. We're here to help with property title fraud protection, so contact us today.