Property owners are being encouraged by Mathews Clerk of Circuit Court Elizabeth Brown to enroll in VADeed Alert, a free, voluntary notification service to help Virginians protect their property from deed fraud. Designed by the Virginia Court System’s Office of the Executive Secretary, VADeed Alert allows residents to receive electronic notifications whenever a document is recorded in the local land records that matches their name or their tax map/parcel ID number, said a press release. These alerts can provide early warning of potentially fraudulent activity, such as unauthorized deed transfers or filings. “Deed fraud is a growing concern nationwide,” said Brown. “VADeed Alert gives property owners a simple and effective way to stay informed and take quick action if something doesn’t look right.” The service does not prevent documents from being recorded, nor does it validate the legality of a filing, said the release. Instead, it serves as an additional layer of awareness, enabling p...