Harris County Couple Accused of $10 Million Deed Fraud Scheme

Deed Fraud Scheme Uncovered

• 🎯 A couple in Harris County, Alba and Harin Martinez, are accused of filing fake deeds to fraudulently seize over 40 properties.
• 💰 The total value of the seized properties is estimated to be nearly $10 million.
• 💔 The fraudulent scheme not only took people's property but also shattered trusts and disrupted families.

Legal Judgment and Restitution

• ✅ A judge has issued a final judgment in the case, ordering the restoration of properties to their rightful owners.
• 💸 Martinez has been ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution to individuals who unknowingly purchased properties from her.
• ⚖️ The Harris County Attorney's Office utilized existing state laws to prosecute the case.

New Legislation to Combat Deed Fraud

• 💡 A new state law, Senate Bill 15, aims to prevent deed fraud by giving county clerks more power.
• 🚫 Clerks can now flag suspicious filings and place a hold on them for investigation.
• 🚀 This new law is considered a game-changer for stopping scams before they occur.

Protecting Your Property

• 🔍 Property owners are advised to check their deeds every quarter to monitor for fraudulent activity.
• 🤝 When selling a property, it is recommended to involve a title company in the process.
• 💻 Suspected deed fraud can be reported to the county through the website scamfreeh.com.