There's a free service that will notify you whenever a document is recorded against your property.
It takes less than two minutes to sign up, it costs nothing, and it can give you an early warning if someone records a deed, lien, or other document affecting your property.
It's called Utah County Property Watch, and as a Utah Realtor, I recommend that every homeowner in Utah County take advantage of it.
What is Utah County Property Watch?
Utah County Property Watch is a free service offered by the Utah County Recorder's Office.
Once you sign up, you'll receive an email notification whenever a document is recorded against the property you're monitoring. That could include things like:
- Warranty deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Trust deeds (mortgages)
- Liens
- Reconveyances
- Other recorded documents
It's important to understand that Property Watch doesn't stop fraud. Instead, it lets you know when something has been recorded so you can review it and take action if something doesn't look right. The Recorder's Office also notes that the service is offered as a courtesy and isn't guaranteed to catch every recording or serve as legal notice.
Why should you care?
It's easy to stop thinking about your property's public records once you've bought your home.
There are people who attempt to commit deed fraud, sometimes called title fraud, by recording fraudulent documents to make it appear they own someone else's property or have rights against it.
These cases are still relatively uncommon. They do happen.
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center tracks real estate fraud complaints and reported losses each year, and the figures run into the thousands of complaints and well over a hundred million dollars annually. Experts recommend monitoring your property's public records and signing up for county alert programs whenever they're available.
Vacant land is the biggest target, but no property is completely safe
These scams are more common with vacant land, second homes, and properties that aren't regularly monitored.
That's because it can take longer for the owner to notice something is wrong.
That said, no property is completely immune.
Whether you own your primary residence, a rental property, or a piece of land you're planning to build on someday, it costs nothing to receive an email if a document is recorded against your property.
For something that takes less than two minutes, I think it's worth it.
How to sign up
Getting started is easy.
- Visit the Utah County Property Watch website.
- Search for your property using your name, business name, or parcel (serial) number.
- Select your property.
- Enter your email address.
- Click Subscribe.
That's it.
You'll receive an email anytime a document is recorded affecting that property. You can also monitor multiple properties if you own more than one.
What if you receive an alert?
Don't panic.
Many recorded documents are completely normal. For example:
- You refinanced your mortgage.
- Your lender recorded a reconveyance after your loan was paid off.
- You purchased or sold a property.
- A legitimate lien or release was recorded.
The notification simply tells you something was recorded.
If you weren't expecting it, take a closer look. If something appears suspicious, contact the Utah County Recorder's Office and consider speaking with a real estate attorney for guidance.
Real cases show why monitoring matters
You don't have to look very far to find examples of why these notification systems exist.
Cases have been reported around the country where a homeowner learned only after the fact that someone had recorded a fraudulent deed against their property. In some of them, the property had already changed hands more than once before the real owner found out, which turned a paperwork problem into years of legal work.
Even high-profile properties aren't immune. Fraudulent filings involving Graceland made national headlines in 2024, which shows how convincing forged documents can be.
These stories aren't meant to scare you.
They're a reminder that finding out sooner is almost always better than finding out later.
Frequently asked questions
Is Utah County Property Watch free?
Yes. There is no cost to use the service. It is provided by the Utah County Recorder's Office.
Can I monitor more than one property?
Yes. You can subscribe to multiple properties, including rental properties, vacant land, or properties owned by a business.
Does Property Watch prevent deed fraud?
No. It is an alert system, not a fraud prevention system. Its purpose is to notify you after documents have been recorded so you can review them promptly.
Is this only for homeowners?
No. If you own vacant land, investment property, commercial property, or property held in an LLC or business name, you can monitor those properties too.
My recommendation
One of the things I love most about real estate is helping people long after closing day.
This is one of those tools that I recommend whether you're buying your first home, have lived in the same house for 30 years, or own multiple investment properties.
Is deed fraud common? No.
Is vacant land generally a bigger target? Yes.
Is any property completely immune? No.
Since Utah County offers this service for free and it only takes a couple of minutes to set up, I think every property owner should take advantage of it.
Sometimes the best protection is simply knowing when something changes.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Property Watch is a courtesy service and is not a substitute for legal notice or title insurance. If you believe a fraudulent document has been recorded against your property, contact the Utah County Recorder's Office and consult a licensed Utah real estate attorney.
Sources: Utah County Recorder's Office, Property Watch; FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, Annual Report.
Kat Ashby is the Principal Broker at RootQuest Realty LLC in Saratoga Springs, Utah, representing both buyers and sellers across Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Lehi, and Utah County. She is bilingual in English and Portuguese and works with Altair Global on corporate relocation. License #10382396-PB00.