Georgia Attorneys Title Guaranty Fund

Underwriting Bulletin No. 65

January 3,2001

SUBJECT: FORGED RELEASES AND QUIT CLAIM DEEDS
We are experiencing more and more claims based upon forged releases of security deeds and quit claim deeds. The releases typically appear just before a sale of the subject property, or within a few months prior thereto, and are not simultaneous with a refinancing or other obvious means of payment. Likewise, quit claim deeds just appear, usually with no transfer tax being paid and no closing attorney's name appearing on the deed.

The purpose of this Bulletin is to remind you that when you are preparing for a closing and this type of document is of record, the prudent and safe manner to handle these in keeping with responsible insuring of title is to investigate these documents. A phone call to the lender or the grantor who purportedly signed the document should be made to confirm its authenticity. Therefore, please be aware of these documents as they appear of record, and instruct your title searcher to set it out for investigation.

For your information First American does have a Reward Program if you detect and deter fraud before we suffer a loss.

If you have any questions or assistance regarding this Bulletin please call the Underwriting Department at the State Office at 404-250-1604 or 800-328-2642.

Printable version: ub65.pdf

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