YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Auditor’s Office isn’t the only one taking steps to combat title fraud and similar scams.

In a Wednesday article, The Vindicator explained Auditor Ralph Meacham’s new tools to help Mahoning County homeowners fight fraudulent deed transfers. One of the ways criminals affect those transfers is through fraudulent notarization of documents.

Mahoning County Recorder Richard Scarsella’s office also rolled out new software that will combat that very problem, adding another layer of protection for residents who opt in to the no-cost program.

“The Notary Fraud Alert allows notaries to be notified when their notary seal has been used on a document filed in this office,” Scarsella said. “This notification can prevent fraud, should the notary seal be used in an unauthorized or illegal way. This service is free to notaries and helps preserve the integrity of the public records in our county.”

The first of its kind in northeast Ohio, the Fidlar Technologies software debuted at the recorder’s office last week.

A brochure Scarsella made available states that notary fraud happens when someone forges a notary’s signature, misuses their seal, or notarizes documents illegally in their name, or without their knowledge. This kind of activity can lead to all types of fraud, including property theft like what Meacham’s office is trying to prevent with its programs.

Fraudulent quit-claim transfers have become much more prevalent in recent years, Meacham said, and they offer an easy scheme for the crook and a difficult uphill battle for the homeowner to undo the damage.

Homeowners have two options through the recorder’s office and can use both. One is a strictly online program that asks for basic information and will automatically let homeowners know if someone executes a title transfer for their home. The title transfer will go through, but the homeowner, notified immediately by phone or email, will be able to respond quickly.

The second option prohibits the transfer, but requires the homeowner to come into the office with a copy of the deed and proof of identification and ownership

For the recorder’s programs, notaries can register at SalineCounty.org or at NotaryFraudAlert.com. The software allows them to choose daily, weekly or monthly alerts, via text or email if a document with their name is recorded. They can then review the alert for document type, names involved, and document reference number, and take action on any suspicious documents.

The brochure notes that catching fraud protects the notary’s commission and preserves the integrity of the county’s public records.

For more information, notaries can contact the Mahoning County Recorder’s Office at 330-740-234.