What is the definition of title fraud in real estate?

Title fraud in real estate refers specifically to the illegal act of transferring ownership of a property without the consent of the real owner. This fraudulent activity often involves using forged documents to represent that the fraudster has legal authority over the property when, in fact, they do not. This unauthorized transfer can lead to significant legal complications and financial loss for the true owner of the property.

Understanding title fraud is crucial for anyone involved in real estate transactions, as it highlights the importance of due diligence and thorough verification processes. These measures help protect against the risk of fraud, ensuring that ownership rights are maintained and validated through proper legal channels. In contrast, the other options describe legitimate processes or strategies in real estate, which do not capture the criminal essence of title fraud.