Public Agencies, Law Enforcement and Real Estate Professionals to Discuss Prevention and Enforcement Strategies
Public officials and real estate industry leaders in Franklin County are set to host a Home Title Fraud Summit this week as concerns grow over fraudulent property transfers and the risks facing homeowners in Ohio’s housing market.
The event, scheduled for Friday morning in Columbus, will bring together government agencies, law enforcement representatives, prosecutors, title professionals and property sector experts to examine how home title fraud occurs, how cases are investigated and prosecuted, and what additional safeguards may be needed to protect property owners.
The summit is being organised by Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano, Franklin County Recorder Daniel J. O’Connor Jr., and Columbus REALTORS®.
Organisers say the gathering is intended to improve coordination between agencies and industry stakeholders while also exploring policy and procedural reforms that could reduce the risk of fraudulent property transfers.
Rising Attention on Property Fraud Risks
Home title fraud has become an increasing concern across the United States as criminals exploit forged or falsified documents to attempt to transfer ownership of residential properties without the consent of the rightful owner.
Fraudulent schemes can involve forged deeds, identity theft and falsified signatures submitted during the transfer and recording process. In some cases, property owners may remain unaware of the fraud until legal or financial complications arise.
Officials say the summit will focus on improving awareness of warning signs and strengthening communication between public offices, investigators and the real estate sector.
According to summit organisers, discussions will examine the mechanics of the transfer and recording process, investigative methods used in suspected fraud cases and the legal challenges involved in prosecuting offenders.
The event is also expected to explore potential reforms aimed at strengthening property record security and improving safeguards for homeowners.
State Lawmakers Expected to Attend
Members of the Ohio General Assembly are expected to participate in the summit, reflecting growing political interest in property-related fraud prevention and consumer protection measures.
The presence of lawmakers may also provide an opportunity for discussions surrounding legislative responses or regulatory adjustments linked to deed transfers and recording requirements.
Property and title fraud issues have increasingly attracted attention from policymakers and real estate professionals nationwide as digital record systems and remote transactions become more common across the housing market.
Industry experts say the combination of rising property values and greater online accessibility to public records has increased opportunities for fraudulent activity targeting homeowners.
Cross-Sector Collaboration Seen as Key
Organisers say the summit is designed to encourage collaboration among agencies and industry groups that each play a role in property transactions and fraud prevention.
Participants are expected to include county officials, prosecutors, investigators, title industry representatives and real estate professionals.
The event will feature panel discussions examining several aspects of home title fraud, including the recording process, investigative procedures and prosecution strategies.
Officials say improving information-sharing between public offices and private-sector professionals is an important part of reducing vulnerabilities in the property transfer system.
The summit will also provide an opportunity to discuss practical steps homeowners can take to monitor their property records and identify suspicious activity.
Media Access and Event Details
The Home Title Fraud Summit is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Media interview opportunities may be available before the summit begins at 9:00 a.m., during a scheduled break between 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., or immediately following the event.
Organisers say the discussions are intended to support long-term efforts to strengthen homeowner protections and improve the response to property-related fraud cases in Franklin County and across Ohio.
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