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Home Fraud Defenseâ„¢

The Home Fraud Defenseâ„¢ Certified Professional (HFDCPâ„¢)

A state-approved school and fraud awareness training program for real estate professionals and brokers. We also provide public resources for consumers who suspect fraud, offering clear guidance, tools and reporting pathways to get help.
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Protecting Homeowners

Home Fraud Defenseâ„¢

Home Fraud Defenseâ„¢ Certified Professional [HFDCPâ„¢]

Home Fraud Defense™ is a public education and training initiative dedicated to protecting homeowners and consumers from real estate-related fraud, identity theft, and property crimes. The program serves as a trusted resource for consumers who suspect fraud, providing tools, guidance, and reporting pathways to help them take the actions and receive the assistance needed to make a difference.

After working with the Scottsdale, AZ, Police in an attempted home title fraud sting operation that stopped a fraudulent home sale, our founder saw firsthand how AI fraud schemes are outpacing industry education.

John recognized the need for improved education on this rapidly growing crime category targeting seniors nationwide. This initiative helps homeowners and industry professionals identify red flags, prevent fraud, and know what to do if it occurs and how to reverse it. 

This page is your starting point for education and resources to protect real estate, our most valuable asset.

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What is a:

The Home Fraud Defenseâ„¢ Certified Professional (HFDCPâ„¢)

What certification means:

HomeFraudDefense.org™ is the exclusive provider of the State of Arizona-endorsed Home Fraud Defense™ Certified Professional (HFDCP™) accreditation training program.
The training and certification is an effort founded by John and Kris Rowan to help homeowners, industry professionals, and law enforcement agencies detect and prevent fraud against Arizona residents through education.

This initiative was started to close the gap by providing industry education and legal resources to keep homeowners and professionals ahead of the criminals.  Stopping title theft through early recognition is important, but providing victims with the tools they need is essential as well.

The Home Fraud Defense website is a platform where industry leaders and law enforcement agencies can collect and share crucial information on the crime to help everyone recognize, prevent, and apprehend those involved.

Real Estate Fraud vs Bank Robberies

Real Estate Fraud Occurs 5X More Than Bank Robberies.

“In 2023, the IC3 recorded 9,521 complaints in the real-estate fraud category (which includes title theft). Meanwhile, the average cost of a fraud & forgery claim in the title industry is over $143,000.

By contrast, in 2019 U.S. bank robberies averaged only about $4,200 per incident with an estimated 1500 to 2000 offenses per year.

Yet title-fraud receives far less public attention even though the financial stakes are much higher.”

2023 Number of Real Estate Fraud Complaints

9521

2023 Number of Real Estate Fraud Complaints

Average Title Industry Claim

$143,000

Average Title Industry Claim

Estimated Annual Number of Bank Robberies | Average Loss $4200

2000

Estimated Annual Number of Bank Robberies | Average Loss $4200

All homeowners need to register with your local county for the title alert notification system.

The first step is to register with your local county so that you will receive notice of any documents recorded with your name on them.  If you have older parents, be sure to register their names as well.  Title theft targets older homeowners with high equity or no mortgage at all.  Vacant homes are most susceptible, so make sure to watch for the warning signs.

Seminar and Free Counsultation Services Available

27 Warning Signs for Title Theft

See a Complete List of Warning Signs Your Home Could Be a Target for Title Theft (What I Learned From the Scottsdale Sting) 

 

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