Fraudulent schemes concentrating on actual property possession data contain the manipulation of publicly accessible documentation. These manipulations can vary from submitting false deeds and liens to impersonating reputable house owners for monetary acquire. For instance, perpetrators would possibly forge a deed switch, successfully stealing possession and doubtlessly promoting the property with out the rightful proprietor’s data. Such misleading practices usually exploit vulnerabilities within the recording course of and the general public’s belief in recorded data.
Defending the integrity of actual property data is significant for sustaining a secure and safe property market. Correct and reliable data are the muse of property possession and transactions, enabling people and companies to confidently spend money on actual property. Traditionally, the transition from paper-based programs to digital platforms has elevated accessibility whereas additionally presenting new challenges in safeguarding in opposition to fraudulent actions. Consequently, heightened consciousness and strong preventative measures are essential for mitigating dangers related to these illicit practices.
This text will additional discover the assorted strategies employed in these misleading schemes, the potential penalties for victims, and efficient methods for prevention and mitigation. It would additionally look at the authorized framework surrounding actual property documentation and the function of presidency companies in combating these felony actions. Lastly, the article will provide sensible steering for people and companies to guard themselves from changing into victims.
1. Solid Paperwork
Solid paperwork are central to many property data scams, serving because the devices by which fraud is perpetrated. These falsified paperwork create the phantasm of legitimacy, enabling criminals to control possession data and deceive victims. Understanding the function of solid paperwork is crucial for recognizing and stopping these fraudulent actions.
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False Deeds:
Fraudulent deeds purport to switch possession of a property. Criminals forge signatures and fabricate supporting documentation to create the looks of a reputable transaction. A solid deed will be filed with the county recorder, clouding the true possession title and doubtlessly enabling the perpetrator to promote the property or safe loans in opposition to it. As an illustration, a scammer would possibly forge a quitclaim deed, transferring possession to themselves with out the precise proprietor’s data or consent.
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Fabricated Liens:
False liens will be filed in opposition to a property, making a fictitious debt. This tactic can be utilized to extort cash from the property proprietor or complicate reputable gross sales transactions. The lien seems as a reputable encumbrance on the property, making it troublesome to promote or refinance till the fraudulent declare is resolved. An instance contains making a mechanics lien claiming unpaid work on the property, regardless that no such work was carried out.
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Falsified Mortgages:
Forging mortgage paperwork can contain making a pretend mortgage or altering an present one. This can be utilized to fraudulently receive funds or switch possession. This sort of forgery can have devastating monetary penalties for the rightful proprietor, who could also be unaware of the fraudulent mortgage till foreclosures proceedings start. A standard state of affairs entails forging the house owner’s signature on a brand new mortgage utility.
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Counterfeit Releases:
Forgery may contain creating pretend releases for reputable liens or mortgages. This creates the misunderstanding that the debt has been paid, doubtlessly enabling the perpetrator to promote the property free and clear or safe further loans. For instance, a scammer would possibly forge a satisfaction of mortgage, making it seem as if the unique mortgage has been paid off, regardless that it stays excellent.
The presence of solid paperwork underscores the vulnerability of property data programs to manipulation. Detecting these forgeries requires vigilance, cautious scrutiny of documentation, and proactive measures to guard property possession. Understanding the several types of solid paperwork utilized in these schemes is important for stopping and mitigating the devastating monetary and authorized penalties of property data fraud.
2. False Possession Claims
False possession claims are a cornerstone of property data scams, representing the last word goal of those fraudulent actions. Establishing a fictitious declare of possession permits perpetrators to take advantage of the property for monetary acquire or different illicit functions. Understanding the mechanisms by which these claims are established and their implications is important for safeguarding property rights.
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Fraudulent Deed Recording:
Submitting a solid or fraudulent deed with the native recorder’s workplace is a main technique for establishing a false possession declare. This creates a misleading public file of possession, giving the perpetrator obvious authorized standing. For instance, a scammer would possibly forge a deed transferring possession to themselves and file it with out the true proprietor’s data, successfully stealing the property within the public file.
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Id Theft and Impersonation:
Criminals might steal the id of a property proprietor to facilitate a false possession declare. This entails acquiring private data, comparable to social safety numbers and driver’s licenses, to impersonate the reputable proprietor and execute fraudulent transactions. This permits them to file fraudulent deeds, take out loans in opposition to the property, and even promote the property underneath the guise of reputable possession.
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Opposed Possession Claims:
Whereas antagonistic possession is a reputable authorized idea, it may be exploited in fraudulent schemes. Criminals might fabricate proof of open and infamous possession of a property for a specified interval, making an attempt to assert possession by fabricated documentation and false testimony. This tactic is usually used in opposition to vacant or uncared for properties the place the true proprietor could also be much less attentive to potential intrusions.
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Exploiting Probate Processes:
Deceased people’ estates will be susceptible to false possession claims. Scammers might forge wills or different property paperwork, claiming to be heirs or beneficiaries entitled to the property. This usually entails complicated authorized maneuvers and deception to control the probate courtroom and acquire management of the property’s property, together with actual property.
False possession claims, established by these varied strategies, signify a extreme risk to property rights and monetary safety. The results for victims will be devastating, involving prolonged authorized battles, monetary losses, and emotional misery. Recognizing the strategies and implications of false possession claims is essential for creating efficient preventative measures and mitigating the dangers related to property data fraud.
3. Unauthorized Property Transfers
Unauthorized property transfers signify a important element of property data scams, usually serving because the end result of fraudulent actions. These transfers, executed with out the reputable proprietor’s consent, end result within the unlawful acquisition of property titles. Understanding the mechanisms and implications of unauthorized transfers is crucial for mitigating the dangers related to these scams.
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Solid Deed Transfers:
Solid deeds are steadily used to execute unauthorized property transfers. Criminals create counterfeit deeds, replicating reputable documentation and forging signatures to create the phantasm of a sound switch. The cast deed is then filed with the related authorities, transferring possession with out the precise proprietor’s data or consent. This will result in the property being bought to unsuspecting consumers, leaving the rightful proprietor dispossessed.
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Transfers by way of Id Theft:
Stolen identities empower criminals to execute unauthorized property transfers. By impersonating the reputable proprietor, perpetrators can deceive notaries, title firms, and different events concerned within the switch course of. This permits them to switch possession to themselves or an confederate, successfully stealing the property by misleading means. Victims usually solely uncover the fraud when making an attempt to promote or refinance their property.
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Transfers by Falsified Energy of Lawyer:
An influence of lawyer grants a person the authority to behave on behalf of one other individual in authorized and monetary issues. Criminals might forge or fraudulently receive an influence of lawyer, granting themselves the authority to switch property with out the proprietor’s consent. This tactic is especially efficient in opposition to susceptible people, such because the aged or these with diminished capability.
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Transfers by way of Fraudulent Court docket Orders:
In some circumstances, criminals might try to receive fraudulent courtroom orders authorizing property transfers. This usually entails subtle authorized maneuvers and deception, doubtlessly concentrating on properties concerned in ongoing authorized disputes or probate proceedings. Fabricated courtroom orders can deceive title firms and different events, facilitating the unauthorized switch of possession.
Unauthorized property transfers signify a major threat inside the broader context of property data scams. These transfers, facilitated by solid paperwork, id theft, or fraudulent authorized maneuvers, can have devastating monetary and emotional penalties for victims. Recognizing the assorted strategies employed in these schemes is essential for creating efficient preventative measures and mitigating the potential for property loss.
4. Id Theft
Id theft performs a vital function in lots of property data scams, offering criminals with the mandatory instruments to impersonate reputable house owners and execute fraudulent transactions. By acquiring private data comparable to social safety numbers, driver’s licenses, and delivery certificates, perpetrators can create convincing false identities. This permits them to forge paperwork, deceive authorities, and in the end acquire management of properties. The connection between id theft and property fraud creates a major vulnerability for property house owners.
One widespread state of affairs entails criminals utilizing stolen identities to forge deeds, transferring possession to themselves or accomplices. They may then promote the property or safe loans in opposition to it, leaving the true proprietor with important monetary losses and a fancy authorized battle to reclaim their property. One other tactic entails utilizing stolen identities to open fraudulent financial institution accounts or credit score traces within the sufferer’s identify, additional complicating the monetary repercussions. For instance, a thief would possibly use a stolen id to forge an influence of lawyer, granting them management over the sufferer’s property, together with actual property. This will facilitate the sale or encumbrance of the property with out the proprietor’s data or consent, resulting in substantial monetary hurt and authorized challenges.
Understanding the important hyperlink between id theft and property data scams is crucial for efficient prevention. Defending private data is paramount. People ought to train warning when sharing private particulars, monitor credit score studies often, and report any suspicious exercise promptly. Strengthening safety measures inside property file programs and rising public consciousness of those scams are additionally important for mitigating the dangers related to id theft-related property fraud. Implementing strong authentication processes and enhancing knowledge safety protocols may help defend delicate data and deter fraudulent actions. In the end, a multi-faceted strategy involving particular person vigilance, institutional safeguards, and public schooling is critical to fight this rising risk.
5. Monetary Losses
Monetary losses signify a major consequence of property data scams, usually devastating victims. These losses can stem from varied fraudulent actions, starting from direct theft of property worth to the accrual of surprising money owed and authorized bills. Understanding the various monetary ramifications of those scams is essential for appreciating their severity and implementing efficient preventative measures.
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Lack of Property Worth:
Essentially the most direct monetary loss in a property data rip-off is the potential full lack of property worth. When possession is fraudulently transferred, the rightful proprietor will be dispossessed, dropping all fairness and future appreciation potential. This may be significantly devastating for people who depend on their property as a main asset or retirement funding. Think about a household residence being fraudulently bought, leaving the household homeless and with no monetary recourse.
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Debt Accrual:
Scammers usually leverage fraudulently acquired property to safe loans or traces of credit score. This leaves the rightful proprietor burdened with debt they didn’t incur, damaging their credit standing and doubtlessly resulting in foreclosures or different authorized actions. As an illustration, a felony would possibly use a solid deed to acquire a mortgage in opposition to a property, leaving the true proprietor chargeable for the debt. This can lead to monetary smash and a protracted authorized battle.
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Authorized Bills:
Rectifying the injury attributable to a property data rip-off requires navigating complicated authorized processes. Victims usually incur substantial authorized charges to show possession, reverse fraudulent transactions, and pursue authorized motion in opposition to perpetrators. These bills can add a major monetary burden on high of the opposite losses incurred. Protracted authorized battles can drain victims’ sources and extend the monetary restoration course of.
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Misplaced Earnings:
Property data scams can disrupt earnings streams, significantly for individuals who depend on rental earnings or function companies on their property. Fraudulent transfers can forestall reputable house owners from accessing their property, resulting in misplaced rental earnings and enterprise disruption. For instance, if a rental property is fraudulently bought, the proprietor loses rental earnings and faces the problem of evicting tenants put in by the fraudulent “proprietor.” This will create a fancy and dear authorized state of affairs.
The monetary losses related to property data scams lengthen past the fast financial worth of the property. The buildup of debt, authorized bills, and misplaced earnings can have long-lasting monetary repercussions, impacting victims’ credit score scores, monetary stability, and general well-being. Understanding the breadth of those monetary penalties underscores the significance of preventative measures and strong authorized frameworks to guard property house owners from these devastating scams. The monetary influence of those scams will be crippling, highlighting the necessity for elevated vigilance and proactive measures to guard property rights and monetary safety.
6. Public Report Manipulation
Public file manipulation is a core factor of property data scams, offering the mechanism by which fraudulent possession claims are established and legitimized. By altering or falsifying official paperwork filed inside public data programs, perpetrators create a misleading faade of possession. This manipulation undermines the integrity of those programs, creating vulnerabilities that criminals exploit for monetary acquire.
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Solid Deed Recordings:
Submitting solid deeds is a standard tactic in public file manipulation. These fraudulent paperwork, purporting to switch possession, are inserted into public data, making a false path of possession. For instance, a felony would possibly forge the signature of a property proprietor on a deed, transferring possession to themselves and submitting it with the county recorder. This creates a public file of the fraudulent switch, making it seem reputable.
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False Liens and Encumbrances:
Public data will be manipulated by the submitting of false liens or encumbrances in opposition to a property. These fictitious claims create the phantasm of debt or authorized obligations tied to the property, doubtlessly deterring reputable consumers or enabling fraudulent foreclosures proceedings. An instance contains submitting a mechanics lien falsely claiming unpaid work, making a cloud on the title and doubtlessly permitting the perpetrator to grab the property.
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Concealment of Official Transactions:
Public file manipulation may contain concealing reputable transactions, comparable to gross sales or mortgages. By failing to file or by fraudulently eradicating reputable paperwork from public data, perpetrators can obscure the true possession standing of a property. This will facilitate subsequent fraudulent transactions, comparable to promoting the property a number of instances to completely different consumers.
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Manipulation of Property Tax Data:
Property tax data are inclined to manipulation, enabling criminals to evade taxes or create alternatives for fraud. By falsifying property values or possession data inside tax data, perpetrators can scale back their tax burden or create vulnerabilities for fraudulent transactions. This will contain underreporting property values to cut back tax liabilities or fraudulently transferring possession to keep away from tax tasks.
The manipulation of public data is integral to the success of property data scams. By making a false narrative of possession inside these programs, perpetrators acquire the obvious authorized standing essential to execute fraudulent transactions. Combating these scams requires enhanced safety measures inside public file programs, elevated scrutiny of filed paperwork, and strong authorized frameworks to prosecute those that have interaction in these misleading practices. The results of public file manipulation underscore the important want for vigilance, proactive safety measures, and public consciousness to guard the integrity of property possession.
7. Title Insurance coverage Gaps
Title insurance coverage is designed to guard property house owners and lenders from monetary losses stemming from defects in a property’s title. Nevertheless, sure vulnerabilities and limitations, often known as title insurance coverage gaps, can go away people uncovered to the dangers related to property data scams. These gaps signify particular situations or varieties of fraud that commonplace title insurance coverage insurance policies might not cowl, creating potential monetary vulnerabilities for property house owners.
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Exclusions for Fraudulent Paperwork:
Whereas title insurance coverage typically covers losses because of title defects, some insurance policies comprise exclusions for fraud perpetrated by people named within the coverage, comparable to the vendor or borrower. Which means that if the fraud is dedicated by somebody the policyholder is immediately concerned with, the title insurance coverage won’t present protection. As an illustration, if a vendor forges a deed and the client unknowingly purchases the property, the title insurance coverage might not defend the client in opposition to the fraudulent switch.
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Limitations on Protection for Id Theft:
Normal title insurance coverage insurance policies might have restricted protection for losses arising from id theft. Whereas some insurance policies provide endorsements or riders to particularly handle id theft, these will not be at all times commonplace and should come at a further value. If a property is fraudulently transferred because of id theft the place the true proprietor’s id was stolen and used to forge paperwork, the essential title insurance coverage coverage won’t cowl the ensuing losses.
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Gaps in Protection for Unrecorded Paperwork:
Title insurance coverage usually covers defects found inside public data. Nevertheless, it could not cowl points arising from unrecorded paperwork or off-record dangers. This creates a vulnerability for scams involving unrecorded easements, liens, or agreements that would influence the property’s possession. For instance, if an unrecorded easement granting entry to a neighboring property exists however will not be found throughout the title search, the title insurance coverage might not cowl disputes arising from the easement after the property is bought.
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Challenges in Addressing Undisclosed Heirs:
Title insurance coverage searches usually look at probate data to determine heirs and guarantee clear title. Nevertheless, undisclosed or unknown heirs who emerge after a property transaction can create title defects that might not be absolutely lined by commonplace insurance policies. If an inheritor emerges after a property is bought, claiming a rightful share of the property primarily based on inheritance, the prevailing title insurance coverage might not absolutely defend the present proprietor from the ensuing authorized challenges.
These title insurance coverage gaps create important vulnerabilities for property house owners within the context of property data scams. Understanding these limitations is essential for assessing threat and contemplating further protecting measures. Exploring choices like enhanced title insurance coverage insurance policies with particular endorsements, conducting thorough due diligence earlier than buying property, and remaining vigilant about potential indicators of fraud may help mitigate the monetary dangers related to these gaps and defend property possession. The existence of those gaps underscores the necessity for a complete strategy to property safety, combining insurance coverage protection with proactive preventative measures and authorized consciousness.
8. Authorized Recourse Complexities
Authorized recourse for victims of property data scams presents important complexities, usually involving protracted and dear authorized battles. The intricate nature of those scams, coupled with the manipulation of public data, creates substantial challenges in proving fraud and reclaiming possession. These complexities usually exacerbate the monetary and emotional misery skilled by victims.
Establishing a transparent chain of possession turns into paramount in authorized proceedings. Nevertheless, the fraudulent manipulation of deeds, titles, and different recorded paperwork obscures this chain, requiring intensive investigation and authorized experience to unravel. Victims should show the fraudulent nature of the transactions, usually requiring forensic doc evaluation, witness testimony, and complicated authorized arguments. For instance, proving forgery on a deed might necessitate professional evaluation of handwriting, ink, and paper, including to the time and expense of authorized proceedings. Additional complicating issues, perpetrators usually make the most of shell companies or different subtle strategies to hide their identities and property, making them troublesome to trace and maintain accountable.
Pursuing authorized motion in opposition to perpetrators entails navigating a fancy authorized panorama, doubtlessly involving civil lawsuits, felony fees, and interactions with varied authorities companies. Victims might have to pursue a number of authorized avenues concurrently, including to the complexity and price. As an illustration, a sufferer would possibly file a civil lawsuit to reclaim possession and pursue felony fees in opposition to the perpetrator for fraud. The interaction between these completely different authorized processes will be difficult to handle and requires specialised authorized experience. Furthermore, the authorized burden of proof rests on the sufferer, requiring them to assemble adequate proof to show fraud, a activity usually sophisticated by the deliberate obfuscation employed by perpetrators. Efficiently navigating these complexities usually necessitates specialised authorized counsel skilled in property regulation and fraud litigation, including to the monetary burden confronted by victims.
The complexities related to authorized recourse underscore the significance of preventative measures and proactive steps to guard property possession. Title insurance coverage, whereas not a foolproof resolution, can present some monetary safety in opposition to sure varieties of losses. Frequently monitoring property data for any unauthorized exercise may help detect fraud early, doubtlessly simplifying authorized recourse. In the end, a mixture of preventative measures, vigilant monitoring, and entry to expert authorized counsel is essential for mitigating the dangers and navigating the complicated authorized panorama related to property data scams. The challenges confronted by victims spotlight the necessity for strong authorized frameworks and elevated public consciousness to fight these subtle fraudulent actions and defend property rights.
Steadily Requested Questions
The next addresses widespread issues relating to fraudulent actions concentrating on actual property data.
Query 1: How can property house owners detect if their property data have been compromised?
Frequently monitoring property data on-line or on the native recorder’s workplace is essential. Discrepancies in possession data, unfamiliar liens, or unexplained modifications ought to increase fast concern and warrant additional investigation. Contacting native authorities or authorized professionals is advisable if suspicious exercise is detected.
Query 2: What steps ought to one take if they think they’re a sufferer of a property data rip-off?
Instantly report suspected fraud to native regulation enforcement and the related county recorder’s workplace. Gathering all accessible documentation associated to the property, together with deeds, titles, and tax data, is crucial. Consulting with an actual property lawyer specializing in fraud circumstances is extremely advisable to discover authorized choices and defend property rights. Immediate motion is important to mitigate potential losses.
Query 3: Does title insurance coverage defend in opposition to all types of property data fraud?
Title insurance coverage presents safety in opposition to sure title defects, however protection limitations exist, significantly regarding fraud. Normal insurance policies won’t cowl losses arising from particular fraudulent actions, particularly these involving id theft or forgeries by people named within the coverage. Inspecting coverage particulars and contemplating supplemental protection choices is advisable to know the extent of safety.
Query 4: How can people defend themselves from changing into victims of those scams?
Defending private data is paramount. Exercising warning when sharing delicate knowledge, often monitoring credit score studies, and implementing robust password practices are important. Remaining vigilant about unsolicited communications relating to property issues and verifying the legitimacy of any requests for private or monetary data is essential. Staying knowledgeable about widespread rip-off techniques is essential to prevention.
Query 5: What function do authorities companies play in combating these fraudulent actions?
Authorities companies, together with recording workplaces, regulation enforcement, and regulatory our bodies, play an important function in combating property data fraud. They implement safety measures inside recording programs, examine reported fraud circumstances, and prosecute perpetrators. Collaboration amongst companies and ongoing efforts to boost safety protocols are important for deterring and addressing these felony actions. Public consciousness campaigns and academic initiatives contribute to broader preventative efforts.
Query 6: What are the potential authorized penalties for perpetrators of property data scams?
Perpetrators face extreme authorized penalties, together with felony fees comparable to fraud, forgery, and id theft, doubtlessly resulting in imprisonment and substantial fines. Civil lawsuits can lead to important monetary penalties, requiring restitution to victims for losses incurred. The severity of penalties varies relying on the character and extent of the fraudulent exercise and relevant state and federal legal guidelines.
Vigilance, proactive measures, and immediate motion are essential for mitigating the dangers related to property data fraud. Understanding widespread techniques, defending private data, and searching for skilled steering when vital are important steps for safeguarding property possession.
The next part will present sensible steering for people and companies to implement preventative measures and defend themselves from changing into victims of those scams.
Defending Towards Actual Property Report Fraud
Defending actual property holdings requires proactive measures in opposition to fraudulent actions. The next suggestions provide sensible steering for safeguarding possession and mitigating dangers.
Tip 1: Common Monitoring of Property Data:
Frequently reviewing property data on-line or on the native recorder’s workplace is essential. This permits for immediate identification of unauthorized modifications, unfamiliar liens, or discrepancies in possession data. Establishing automated alerts for modifications in property data can present well timed notification of suspicious exercise.
Tip 2: Enhanced Safety for Private Data:
Defending private data, comparable to social safety numbers and driver’s licenses, is paramount. Implementing strong password practices, exercising warning when sharing delicate knowledge on-line, and often monitoring credit score studies are essential steps for mitigating the danger of id theft, a key element of many actual property scams.
Tip 3: Cautious Scrutiny of Actual Property Paperwork:
Thorough evaluation of all actual property paperwork, together with deeds, titles, and mortgage agreements, is crucial earlier than signing or submitting. Unbiased verification of data and searching for authorized counsel for complicated transactions may help forestall fraudulent transfers or encumbrances. Consideration to element {and professional} steering can safeguard in opposition to misleading practices.
Tip 4: Title Insurance coverage Assessment and Enhancements:
Understanding the restrictions of ordinary title insurance coverage insurance policies is important. Evaluating protection gaps, significantly regarding fraud and id theft, and contemplating supplemental protection choices can present further safety in opposition to potential losses. Consulting with a title insurance coverage skilled may help decide applicable protection ranges.
Tip 5: Immediate Reporting of Suspicious Exercise:
Quick reporting of any suspicious exercise associated to property data to native regulation enforcement and the related county recorder’s workplace is essential. Well timed reporting facilitates immediate investigation and may help mitigate potential losses. Documenting all suspicious communications and transactions is crucial for supporting investigations.
Tip 6: Consciousness of Frequent Rip-off Ways:
Staying knowledgeable about prevalent actual property scams, together with fraudulent deed transfers, false liens, and id theft schemes, is crucial for recognizing potential threats. Academic sources from authorities companies and client safety organizations present invaluable data on figuring out and avoiding widespread misleading practices.
Tip 7: Skilled Steering for Advanced Transactions:
Searching for skilled steering from actual property attorneys and title professionals is advisable for complicated transactions or when navigating unfamiliar authorized processes. Skilled recommendation may help guarantee transactions are carried out legitimately and defend in opposition to potential dangers. Authorized experience gives invaluable assist in mitigating vulnerabilities.
Implementing these preventative measures presents important safety in opposition to property data fraud. Vigilance, proactive safety practices, and knowledgeable decision-making are important for safeguarding actual property possession and mitigating the dangers related to these fraudulent actions.
This text concludes with a abstract of key takeaways and suggestions for future motion to fight property data fraud.
Combating Property Data Fraud
This exploration of fraudulent actions concentrating on actual property documentation reveals important vulnerabilities inside the system and the devastating penalties for victims. From solid deeds and manipulated public data to the complexities of authorized recourse, the risk posed necessitates a complete strategy to prevention and mitigation. The monetary and emotional toll on people and the potential disruption to the true property market underscore the urgency of addressing this challenge.
Defending property rights requires a collective effort. Elevated public consciousness, strong safety measures inside recording programs, stringent authorized frameworks, and proactive particular person motion are essential for combating these subtle schemes. The way forward for safe property possession hinges on continued vigilance, collaboration amongst stakeholders, and ongoing efforts to boost safeguards in opposition to evolving fraudulent techniques. Solely by a concerted and sustained effort can the integrity of actual property data be preserved and the devastating influence of those crimes be minimized.