Lake County offers homeowner fraud protection

The Lake County Recorder's Office is offering homeowners a free tool to protect themselves against the growing instances of property and mortgage fraud.

Property Check is a 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers via email and/or text message whenever a document is recorded against their name or property.

The sign up process takes only a few minutes. Once a property owners enter her name and notification criteria, they will only need to update their account information if their email address or cellphone number changes.

To sign up or learn more about the program, visit www.lakecountyil.gov/2350/Property-Check or call (847) 377-2678.

According to the FBI, property and mortgage fraud is the fastest growing white-collar crime.