How to Detect Fake Property Title

4 Ways to Detect Fake Property Title

Nowadays, many wicked-minded and dubious people will do anything for money. That's why it is essential to be cautious, especially when buying a property. Whether it's a small plot of land or a house and lot, purchasing a property costs significant amounts of money. However, scheming people have plenty of ways to trick and fool property buyers. Therefore, doing extensive research on how to detect a fake property title is necessary to avoid being scammed.

But how can you tell if a property title is real or fake?

To find out, read on as we share four (4) ways to detect a fake property title and ensure your hard-earned money and investment won't go to waste.

1. Scan the QR code

One of the easiest ways to detect a fake property title is by scanning the QR code. The new version of the land title is called eTitle. It's blue and has a QR code in the lower right corner. When you scan the QR code using your smartphone, the information of the eTitle will appear, such as the title number, location, technical description, and other details. But remember, the information that appears on the QR code should match the property title to ensure its authenticity.

2. Check the Paper

Another way to spot a fake property title is by checking the paper material. A legit and valid property title uses a type of paper that looks similar to bank cheques, called check stock paper. When you inspect the property title, you will see fibers on the paper material. Usually, there are also colored dots on the property title paper. These signs indicate that the property title is authentic.

Apart from that, a legit property title has Intaglio on the sides, a printmaking technique with an image created by incising into a surface. It's the same technique applied to paper bills. An authentic property title also has a watermark, like the Land Registration Authority (LRA) logo. To check if the logo of LRA is visible, hold the property title to the light. The same way you check paper bills using light.

3. Check the Serial Numbers

You can also verify the authenticity of a property title by checking the serial numbers in the upper left corner. There's also another serial number on the lower right corner of the property title. In addition, it has a barcode that feels like a dry seal when you touch it. Both serial numbers should also match to ensure the property title's authenticity.

4. Bring the Title to the Registry of Deeds (RD)

If you're still unsure or doubting the property title's authenticity, the best solution is to bring it to RD. This is the most effective way to detect fake property titles. If you're buying a property, visit RD and present a copy of the title. Ask the seller for a copy of the property title and let RD check if it's authentic.

The officer in charge of RD will compare the original title they have to the owner's duplicate copy you will present. Both documents should be identical, and there shouldn't be any difference, even in letters capitalization. Therefore, letting RD check the document's authenticity is the most accurate way to confirm whether a property title is real or fake.