Recently there have been items in the news about attempted sale(s) of Graceland (Elvis Presley's former home), and a home here in Wake County by individuals filing fraudulent paperwork that allows them to be listed on the deed as the actual owner.
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Wake County Register of Deeds is NOT REQUIRED BY LAW to verify actual legal ownership by the person who is presenting such paperwork. While you cannot prevent someone from attempting this sort of fraud, you CAN put an alert on your name in the Register of Deeds office that requires them to notify you immediately if document is recorded with a name or names that are monitored. You can do so on this Wake County Register of Deeds Fraud Alert page:
https://docalert.wakegov.com/