The Will County Registry of Deeds said residents can use the free online service Property Fraud Alert, which allows them to register their name or the name of their business/organization with the office to monitor potential fraudulent activity.

After registering with this service, subscribers will receive a notification by email, phone or SMS when a document is registered with their name, according to the registration office.

Real estate fraud typically targets the elderly, people who have paid off their mortgages, and people who own rental properties or have vacant property. According to the Registrar’s Office, there have been isolated cases of fraud in Will County and law enforcement has been assisted in tracking down these offenders.

While Property Fraud Alert cannot prevent fraud, it does give property owners the opportunity to take immediate action if they suspect fraud, the Land Registry said.

In most cases, the alerts relate to legitimate documents related to the purchase and sale of real estate. This service provides homeowners with a system for early detection of potential fraud, according to the Land Registry.

If a person has concerns about filed records, the alert will include record information for accessing those records.

A real estate scam alert is available at www.willcountyrecorder.com or by calling 1-800-728-3858. If you have questions or need assistance, you may also call the Will County Recorder of Deeds Office at 815-740-4637.