January 29, 2024

SARASOTA COUNTY - Karen E. Rushing, Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, is alerting citizens of property fraud schemes in Sarasota County. Protect yourself!

Fraud is defined as any intentional or deliberate act to deprive another of property or money, by deception or other unfair means. Fraud takes many forms:  telephone and email scams, falsification of official documents, theft of money or personal information, jury duty scams and more.

Property fraud is a nationwide problem with scams occurring here in Sarasota County. Your Clerk and Comptroller offers a solution that safeguards your property and protects you from harm caused by property fraud.

Property fraud occurs when someone fraudulently assumes ownership of a property, often by manipulating property records or forging documents without your knowledge. The Clerk and Comptroller’s office offers a free Property Fraud Alert service that alerts you by email when a document that matches your search criteria is recorded in the Sarasota County Official Record.

It's important to note that this service does not prevent fraudulent activity from happening. However, the Property Fraud Alert service is a proactive approach that empowers property owners to take immediate action if any suspicious activity is detected. Register for property fraud alerts and receive emails when documents are filed in your name.

Registering is Easy

1. Visit www.SarasotaClerk.com/PropertyFraud 
2. Enter your email address in our secured Property Fraud Alert service
3. Follow directions and prompts

If You Receive an Alert

When a document recorded matches your search criteria, you will receive an alert by email. The alert is sent to the email address you used to register your Property Fraud Alert account.

Information provided on a property alert may include the name of a record registered in your name, a link to view the Official Record(s) and a link to review your active property alerts in Sarasota County. Be sure to review the information contained in the secure email and confirm the transaction is legitimate.

If you think you are the victim of property fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency at 311, or the Florida Division of Consumer Services at (800) HELP-FLA (Florida Residents) or (850) 410-3800 (Non-Florida Residents).