CUSTER COUNTY, Neb. – Homeowners in Custer County now have a powerful new tool to help combat property fraud, thanks to a free service launched recently by the Custer County Register of Deeds.
The service, called Property Fraud Alert, allows individuals to monitor their name within the Register of Deeds office and receive alerts if any documents are filed using their name — a proactive step that can help residents take swift action against potential fraud.
“As an elected official, it’s part of my duty to look out for our customers and the county as a whole,” said Register of Deeds Christie Trumbull during a recent KCNI Public Affairs interview. “Fraud is huge, and anything we can do to help make a difference is a huge benefit.”
Trumbull explained that while the program does not prevent fraud outright, it offers immediate notification when something is filed, giving homeowners an essential head start. “If we can hop on something quickly, we can alleviate the problem a lot easier,” she said. “In a perfect world, it wouldn’t happen at all, but this is the next best thing.”
Property fraud has become an increasing concern, as scammers can attempt to illegally transfer ownership of homes by filing forged deeds. “People often ask if someone can really take their home, and the answer is yes and no,” Trumbull noted. “If someone forges your signature and it gets notarized, my office has no way of knowing it wasn’t really you.”
The Property Fraud Alert service allows residents to sign up under their name, LLC, trust, or trustee, and even include different spellings or variations of their name. Notifications can be sent via email, text, or phone call, and support is available in both English and Spanish. Custer County is one of four participating counties in the state, joined by Buffalo, Scotts Bluff, and Cass Counties.
“This service is completely free, thanks to a new software program we’re moving to,” Trumbull shared. “It’s so easy to sign up, and we can even help walk you through it at our office.”
Homeowners are also encouraged to remain proactive beyond just signing up. “Be diligent, do your due diligence,” Trumbull advised. “Come in and check your property records periodically. You’re a step ahead just by looking.”
Those interested in signing up can visit PropertyFraudAlert.com, select Custer County, and follow the prompts. Residents can also call the Register of Deeds office at 308-872-2221 for assistance or stop by in person for help.
“This is a huge asset to so many people,” Trumbull said. “It’s something you hope you never need, but if you do, it can make all the difference.”
