Kansas officials are sounding the alarm over the growing threat of property deed fraud, with Leavenworth County Register of Deeds TerriLois Mashburn leading the charge. Victims, often elderly homeowners, are discovering their life savings jeopardized after fraudsters file forged documents that transfer ownership of their homes. Mashburn describes the crime as “pathetically simple,” pointing out that outdated property laws have left homeowners vulnerable to criminals who exploit modern technology to steal property with little oversight.
“It’s just pathetically simple to steal property at this point,” Mashburn said. “We’re dealing with sometimes 150-year-old land laws and the fraudsters are dealing with 22nd-century technology and we’ve got to step up.”
To combat this, Mashburn and neighboring officials are pushing proactive solutions, including a biometric verification system that requires identity checks before deed changes can be filed. Early results have shown reductions in fraud cases, and Mashburn is now working with Kansas lawmakers to expand protections statewide. She hopes Kansas can become a model for reform across the country, ensuring that families’ homes and life investments remain secure.
This story was first reported by kctv5.com
