Protect Your Property: Sign Up for Land Notifications to Combat Real Estate Fraud in South Dakota
- Anthony Kathol
- Feb 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 8
If you have ever been a victim of credit card fraud, you know how fast you must react in order to stay ahead of the collateral damage that fraudsters can leave behind. For the past two days, I have been proactively dealing with a user who hacked my IHG One Rewards Account. I have been a member of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) brand since 1995 and have used their credit card for many years, accruing points for free stays at various well-known hotel brands, including InterContinental and Holiday Inn Express. Apparently, the hacker not only charged my IHG One Rewards credit card but also stole 25,000 points from my account to book a nice stay at a Holiday Inn Express & Suites Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
I discovered the problem when I received an email alert on the morning of February 3rd from my credit card company titled "You made an international transaction." In the afternoon, I received a second email alert. This one came from IHG One Rewards, saying, "Congrats on using your points to score a free night stay!" I thought to myself, "I didn't book a room recently for a free night stay with my points." So down the rabbit hole I went, spending the majority of my last two days putting temporary blocks and additional fraud alert protections on credit cards, changing my password on various email and other accounts with sensitive information, activating fraud alerts with my bank and the three major credit bureaus. To further protect myself from possible identity theft, I hustled to the Bennett County Sheriff's Office to file a police report documenting the fraud, should I need it in the future. Thankfully, I had the time to do this, but most South Dakotans don't have the time or the knowledge of where to begin to combat this fraudulent behavior.
As I was leaving the Bennett County Courthouse, I stopped for a brief visit with our County Register, Jaci Clifford. I had informed her that I had just filed a police report for credit card fraud with the sheriff's office, and, coincidentally, she shared the following flyer with me that I want to share with all of you on how to protect your property from fraudulent claims filed at the county recorder's office.
I have heard of LifeLock and other vendors that protect you from identity theft, and Home Title Lock insurance that protects the landowner from deed fraud or home title theft. However, most consumers don't have the money to purchase these insurance protections. However, Jaci has been proactive in educating property owners in Bennett County to sign up for Land Notification Alerts to prevent the inevitability of losing one's private property to fraudsters. The fraudster's scheme involves the forging of documents to record a phony transfer of property ownership, which most county recorders would accept if the documents meet the necessary conditions for filing and recording. The criminal then sells the home to a buyer who is unaware of the scheme. Criminals also take out a mortgage on the "stolen" property, or even rent it out, if it remains vacant, such as a vacation rental, to tenants to turn a profit. You can learn more here: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/deed-fraud-quitclaim-home-title-theft/.
Real estate fraud is a growing concern for property and landowners across South Dakota. Fraudsters use various tactics to deceive owners, often resulting in financial loss and legal headaches. Protecting your property requires vigilance and timely information. One effective way to stay ahead of potential fraud is by signing up for land notifications through the South Dakota Land Notification web portal. This service helps you monitor your most valuable asset so that you can act quickly if suspicious activity arises.
South Dakota Counties Participating in Land Notification Alerts
Below are the current counties participating in the South Dakota TriMin's Land Notification Alert software program. Other counties in the state may be using a different program. If your county is not participating, I would contact your local county recorder to see if they have a similar program you can use.
Understanding Real Estate Fraud in South Dakota
Real estate fraud can take many forms, including forged documents, false property sales, and identity theft. In South Dakota, common scams involve:
Deed fraud: Criminals forge property deeds to transfer ownership without the owner's knowledge.
Title fraud: Fraudsters use fake or stolen identities to claim ownership or take out loans against a property.
Property flipping scams: Fraudulent sales of properties at inflated prices to unsuspecting buyers.
Phantom rentals: Scammers rent out properties they do not own, collecting deposits and rent illegally.
These scams can cause severe financial damage and complicate ownership rights. Victims often face lengthy legal battles to reclaim their property or clear fraudulent claims.
Why Landowners Need Notification Services
Property owners cannot always monitor public records or legal filings related to their land. Fraudsters exploit this gap by acting quickly before owners become aware. Signing up for land notifications offers several benefits:
Immediate alerts when any document related to your property is filed or recorded.
Early detection of suspicious transactions or changes.
Peace of mind knowing you have a system watching your property records.
Ability to act fast by contacting authorities or legal counsel to stop fraud.
Without notifications, owners may only discover fraud after irreversible damage occurs, such as losing title or facing foreclosure.
How South Dakota Land Notification Works
The South Dakota Land Notification portal is designed to help landowners efficiently monitor their property records. Here’s how it works:
Sign up and register your property by entering parcel numbers or legal descriptions.
The system tracks all public filings related to your property, including deeds, liens, mortgages, and other documents.
You receive real-time email or text alerts whenever a new document is recorded.
The portal provides easy access to document details, allowing you to review and verify their legitimacy.
If you notice suspicious activity, you can contact local authorities or legal experts immediately.
This service acts as an early warning system, helping you stay informed and protect your land.
Real-Life Examples of Land Notification Success
Several South Dakota landowners have avoided costly fraud thanks to timely notifications:
A ranch owner received an alert about a forged deed attempting to transfer ownership. The owner quickly reported it, and authorities stopped the fraudulent sale.
A homeowner was notified of a lien placed on their property by an unknown party. Early detection allowed the owner to dispute the claim before it affected their credit.
A land investor caught a suspicious mortgage filing on a vacant lot and prevented a potential loan scam.
These cases show how notifications can help property owners avoid financial losses and legal trouble.
Steps to Protect Your Property Beyond Notifications
While signing up for land notifications is crucial, combine it with other protective measures:
Regularly review your property records at the county recorder’s office.
Keep copies of all ownership documents in a safe place.
Use secure methods for signing and storing property-related paperwork.
Be cautious with personal information to prevent identity theft.
Consult a real estate attorney if you suspect fraud or need advice.
Taking a proactive approach helps build a strong defense against fraud.
What to Do If You Suspect Real Estate Fraud
If you receive a notification or notice something unusual, act quickly:
Verify the document with the county recorder’s office.
Contact local law enforcement to report suspected fraud.
Notify your title insurance company if applicable.
Consult a real estate attorney for guidance on protecting your rights.
Alert neighbors or community groups to watch for similar scams.
Prompt action can prevent fraud from escalating and protect your property rights.
Signing Up Is Simple and Free
The South Dakota Land Notification portal offers an easy registration process:
Visit the website https://southdakota.landnotification.com/LandNotification to create an account.
Enter your property details.
Choose your preferred alert method (email or text).
Start receiving notifications immediately.
This free service is a small step that can save you from significant losses.
Stay Tuned for a Follow-up Blog Post
The conversation I had with our Bennett County Register, Jaci Clifford, was invaluable. Stay tuned for a follow-up blog post with more information about my visit with our county register.
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