ATLANTA (March 23, 2023) – Like other states, Georgia has been experiencing a rise in fraud with regard to both real and personal property. While some of this fraud has specifically targeted rental properties or vacant parcels where the owner is not located on or near the property, fraudulent filings can affect anyone. To help identify and reduce this type of fraud, the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) has announced the use of the Filing Activity Notification System (FANS).
The FANS system monitors real property filings like deeds and plats, as well as UCC filings regarding personal property. Users can log on to the site and register a name, address, or any cross-reference to a document such as a plat, a deed, or a UCC filing. This registration will prompt the FANS system to notify owners of any subsequent filings related to their property. Although a few counties like Gordon, Morgan, and Newton Counties had previously provided this service, the monitoring was limited to transactions filed in those specific counties. The FANS system now monitors filings across the entire state of Georgia.
Although the FANS system cannot prevent fraud, the notice provided can allow owners to identify fraudulent activity by alerting them to filings that concern their name or their property. Since FANS monitors filings on names and property across the State of Georgia, it can be used to help not only business entities, but also owners of multiple properties. It can even help family members protect loved ones who may be taken advantage of. For example, the system could provide notification of the filing of a lien or reverse or second mortgage on the property of elderly parents.
Notification provided by the FANS system allows for immediate action to address fraud or potential fraud, rather than requiring owners to deal with it years later when a property is put up for sale or a third party appears claiming to own or hold an interest in the property. The FANS system can not only reduce the incidences of fraud, but it can also provide peace of mind to owners who can now receive prompt notification of real and potential claims against their property.
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With four offices in Metro Atlanta and one in Columbus, GA, the law firm of Goggans, Stutzman, Hudson, Wilson & Mize, LLP provides high-quality, cost-effective representation and well-reasoned solutions exclusively for all types of residential and commercial real estate concerns. The firm’s vast experience and insight assists clients with their legal matters from start to finish. In addition to representing homeowners, developers, lenders, brokers, investors, and build-to-rent companies, GSHWM also offers estate planning services and works with government entities, non-profit organizations, and housing authorities.