ALTA, PRIA Host Fraud Forum

April 23, 2024

ALTA and the Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) held a joint fraud forum on April 17.

Experts shared information and suggestions on efforts to address deed and seller impersonation fraud. 

The panel included law enforcement, county records and representatives from the title industry and National Notary Association. 

  • Bill Anderson, vice president, National Notary Association
  • Elizabeth Blosser, vice president of government affairs, ALTA
  • Phillip Clark, assistant district attorney, Dallas County, Texas
  • Kenneth Cleveland, manager, Recording Division, Dallas County, Texas
  • Don Carroll, special investigator, Arizona Attorney General's Office
  • Chris Hultzman, vice president of corporate underwriting, First American Title Insurance Co.
  • Tyler Newlon, executive vice president, Pioneer Title Agency
  • Todd Niemczyk, compliance and regulatory counsel, Fidelity National Financial
  • Jim Thompson, chief staff officer, PRIA

During a portion of the forum, Blosser asked Carroll and Clark what states could do from an enforcement angle to help prevent real estate fraud. Clark added that the industry is an important partner in this effort.

Seller Impersonation Fraud Resources

ALTA has created several handouts to help members educate their staff and consumers about the threat of seller impersonation fraud in real estate.

  • Savvy Consumer: ALTA created this handout that members can use to help educate consumers about how they can protect themselves from seller impersonation fraud.
  • Combating Seller Impersonation Fraud: This handout highlights different ways consumers can protect themselves from seller impersonation fraud and explains the protection provided by the ALTA Owner’s Policy and ALTA Homeowner’s Policy of Title Insurance.
  • Seller Impersonation Fraud in Real Estate: Fraudsters are impersonating property owners to illegally sell commercial or residential property. Use this document to train your staff on the red flags and how to take precautions to help prevent these scams.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.