Home Fraud Defense | National Homeowner Fraud Education and Certification

Protecting Homeowners

Home Fraud Defense™

Home Fraud Defense™ Certified Professional [HFDCP™]

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.

To learn more about Home Fraud Defense and our Arizona Department of Real Estate School-approved training, visit HomeFraudDefense.org today.

ADRE School: #S25-0019

Home Fraud Defense™ LLC, an Arizona limited liability company

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What is a:

The Home Fraud Defense™ Certified Professional (HFDCP™)

What certification means:

HomeFraudDefense.org™ is the provider of the Home Fraud Defense™ Certified Professional (HFDCP™) education and training program, which is offered through a State of Arizona–approved education provider. The HFDCP™ program is designed to provide education and awareness about real estate fraud, consumer fraud prevention, and consumer protection.

John Rowan and Kris Rowan founded the training and certification initiative to help consumers, real estate professionals, and senior care providers better understand, detect, and respond to fraud affecting Arizona property owners through education and informational resources.

This initiative was developed to help address gaps in industry awareness by providing educational materials and access to legal and preventative resources intended to help homeowners and professionals recognize potential fraud risks earlier. By early identification of consumer fraud, professionals can prevent financial loss before it occurs.

The Home Fraud Defense website serves as an educational and informational platform where industry professionals and public agencies can access and share general information on property fraud trends, prevention strategies, and awareness efforts. The program does not represent or imply endorsement by any government agency, and participation is voluntary.

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.”

9521

2023 Number of Real Estate Fraud Complaints

$143,000

Average Title Industry Claim

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

Prevention

Stopping deed fraud to keep the title in the proper ownership name. Stopping the title transfer before it happens or recognizing it early prevents long term financial consumer damage.
Education

Educating seniors on how to protect themselves during estate planning and retirement. Working with title companies, financial planners, attorneys, senior care providers, brokers, and recording offices to share the most up to date information.
Resources

Providing a comprehensive resource page where companies from all industries can go for information and where homeowners can get the information they need to prevent and protect thier homes equity.

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)

Resouce Center

Arizona Title Alert Registration
Credit and Resources

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The Home Fraud Defense™ Certified Professional (HFDCP™)