United States

Scammer attempted to sell Graceland. How not to become the next home

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Regular checks can help you catch suspicious activity early.
  • Shred sensitive documents and be cautious with sharing personal information.
  • Provides protection against unforeseen claims or liens on your property.

In a bizarre twist of events, scammers recently attempted to sell Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland estate. This audacious scheme highlights the growing threat of home title theft, a form of identity fraud where criminals transfer property ownership to themselves without the homeowner's knowledge. As unsettling as this may sound, there are several proactive steps homeowners can take to protect their properties from such fraudulent activities.

Home title theft, also known as deed fraud, occurs when criminals forge documents to transfer ownership of a property. This can lead to unauthorized sales, mortgages, or even foreclosure. The scam often involves identity theft, where the fraudster uses stolen personal information to make the forged documents appear legitimate.

How the Graceland Scam Unfolded

The Graceland scam involved a dark web scammer who claimed to have orchestrated the fraudulent sale of Elvis Presley’s home. The scammer used publicly accessible documents and targeted elderly individuals, primarily in California and Florida. The scam was eventually thwarted, but it serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which these criminals will go.

Steps to Protect Your Home from Title Theft

1. Monitor Your Mail and Bills

One of the first signs of title theft can be missing bills or important mail. If you suddenly stop receiving your mortgage, tax, or utility bills, it could indicate that someone has changed your address without your knowledge. Keep a close eye on your mail and report any irregularities immediately.

2. Regularly Check Your Credit Report

Monitoring your credit report can help you catch suspicious activity early. Look for unfamiliar accounts or changes to existing accounts. You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus annually. Regular checks can help you spot potential fraud before it escalates.

3. Secure Your Personal Information

Be cautious with your personal information. Shred documents containing sensitive information before discarding them, and avoid carrying your Social Security card or birth certificate with you. Only share personal information over the phone or online if you are certain of the recipient's identity.

4. Keep an Eye on Your Property

Regularly check the status of your property deed through local registries or the county recorder’s office. Some counties offer notification services that alert you to any changes in your property records. This proactive approach can help you catch fraudulent activity early.

5. Get Title Insurance

Title insurance can provide a safety net against title fraud. There are two types of title insurance: lender’s and owner’s. While lender’s title insurance is typically required by mortgage companies, owner’s title insurance is optional but highly recommended. It protects you from unforeseen claims or liens against your property.

6. Stay Educated on Common Scams

Understanding common scams can help you avoid falling victim to them. Scammers often pose as real estate agents or lenders to perform fraudulent transactions. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and always verify the legitimacy of any offers or communications you receive.

7. Use a VPN and Shred Documents

Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your online activities from hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Additionally, shredding documents before discarding them can prevent dumpster-diving scammers from accessing your personal information.

What to Do If You Suspect Title Theft

If you suspect that your home title has been stolen, take immediate action:

Contact the Credit Bureaus: Place a fraud alert on your credit file to make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. Dispute any unauthorized accounts with the relevant bureaus.

File a Police Report: Report the theft to the police and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This creates a paper trail that can be useful if you need to take legal action.

Notify Your Mortgage Lender: Inform your mortgage lender about the situation to prevent further financial harm and potential foreclosure.

Close Unauthorized Accounts: Contact lenders to close any accounts opened fraudulently in your name.

Retain All Records: Keep all correspondence and documents related to the theft. This will be helpful if you need to file a lawsuit or take other legal action.

The attempted sale of Graceland serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of home title theft. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, homeowners can protect their properties from such fraudulent activities. Regularly monitoring your mail, credit report, and property records, securing your personal information, and obtaining title insurance are all effective measures to safeguard your home.


Real Estate World
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJuly 7, 2025 at 5:00:00 PM

Is the Hong Kong property market recovery real or optical?

At first glance, Hong Kong appears to be regaining economic ground. Equity indices have climbed, capital markets are stirring, and according to PwC,...

Real Estate Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJuly 5, 2025 at 1:00:00 AM

Singapore residential real estate market value 2024 rises to 26th globally

Singapore’s rise to 26th place in global residential real estate value, up four spots from 2019, is more than a point of national...

Real Estate
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJuly 4, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

UK first-time buyers shift focus to regional cities

The assumption that the pandemic would permanently reset Britain’s housing geography—from dense cities to tranquil coastlines—was premature. New data shows that first-time buyer...

Real Estate Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJuly 4, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Selling a private home now comes with higher stamp duties and a longer 4-year holding period

In an era when major economies are racing to stimulate demand in sluggish property markets, Singapore is deliberately tightening its grip. On July...

Housing United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
HousingJuly 2, 2025 at 1:00:00 PM

Why 2025 may be the right time to buy—and how to prepare

Rising home prices. High mortgage rates. Low inventory. For years, these were the three walls trapping homebuyers. But in 2025, the housing market...

Real Estate World
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJuly 1, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Hong Kong developer debt crisis exposes mid-tier credit fragility

Emperor International Holdings’ disclosure that HK$16.6 billion in loans have become overdue—or are now in breach of loan covenants—marks more than a company-specific...

Real Estate Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJuly 1, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

HDB resale price index slows as economic headwinds grow

The Housing and Development Board’s latest figures confirm a continued deceleration in Singapore’s public housing resale market. Prices rose just 0.9% in Q2...

Real Estate Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJune 30, 2025 at 1:30:00 PM

950,000 Singaporean households to get July utility and conservancy rebates

Singapore’s July 2025 round of utility and conservancy rebates, disbursed under the GST Voucher and Assurance Package, arrives on schedule. But the payout...

Real Estate
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJune 30, 2025 at 12:30:00 PM

Analysts say Hong Kong home prices unlikely to recover in 2025

If you’re waiting for a dramatic rebound in Hong Kong real estate, don’t hold your breath. The recent uptick in sentiment across the...

Real Estate World
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJune 29, 2025 at 7:00:00 AM

Hong Kong’s property slump isn’t a setback—it’s a strategic opening

For Hong Kong’s design and construction professionals, the idea of "future-proofing" has moved from boardroom talking point to frontline concern. Multiple forces—some cyclical,...

Real Estate Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJune 27, 2025 at 8:00:00 PM

CDL to offload US$2.1B Singapore office asset in move to reduce debt

City Developments Ltd (CDL)’s sale of its 50.1% stake in Singapore’s South Beach development to IOI Properties signals more than a high-profile divestment....

Real Estate United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Real EstateJune 27, 2025 at 12:30:00 AM

Housing market capital risk signals broader fragility

The latest downturn in housing is not a localized affordability issue. It is becoming a systemic capital signal—one that speaks directly to the...

Load More