Vacant Land Fraud Protection in Rhode Island
How Our Vacant Land Fraud Protection Works
Concerned about vacant land fraud? Our vacant land fraud protection option allows property owners to record a public notice stating that no transfer or encumbrance is authorized or intended.
Prepared by an attorney at Kenyon Law Associates, LLP and recorded in the applicable Rhode Island land evidence records.
Vacant land fraud and other forms of seller impersonation fraud have become increasing concerns throughout the real estate industry. In these schemes, fraudsters may attempt to list, sell, mortgage, lease, transfer, or otherwise encumber property without the true owner’s knowledge or authorization.
To help address this concern, Priority Title Company can coordinate the preparation and recording of a Notice That No Transfer of Interest in or Encumbrance of Property Is Authorized or Intended in the appropriate Rhode Island land evidence records.
Why Certain Properties May Be More Vulnerable
These types of properties may be more attractive targets because ownership activity can be more difficult for third parties to verify and unauthorized activity may be less likely to be noticed immediately.
- Vacant land
- Inherited property
- Out-of-state ownership
- Property held in trusts
- Property held in LLCs or other entities
- Non-owner-occupied property
Fraudulent communications can appear convincing because fraudsters may use real owner information obtained from public records and other sources.
Recent Fraud Warnings
Public agencies throughout New England have issued warnings:
- Little Compton Land Trust Scammed - 2023 Article
- Massachusetts Fraud Alerts (PDF)
- Connecticut Fraud Alerts (PDF)
Recent Alerts:
CATIC Fraud Alert June 5, 2026: 15 Overlook Road, East Hampton, CT - Attempted seller impersonation fraud. The fraudster listed a $70,000 property for $30,000. Suspicion arose during a call due to a foreign accent from an owner known to be American. Although the fraudster knew the real owner's SSN and address, the Agent confirmed the ID provided was fake. Wiring instructions were for a bank in Kansas City with documents acknowledged in California.
First American Fraud Alert July 13, 2026: 245 Seaside Drive, Jamestown, RI - Multiple attempts to sell the same vacant parcel. A local realtor contacted the record owner, who confirmed they were not selling.
How It Works
- An attorney prepares a Notice That No Transfer of Interest in or Encumbrance of Property Is Authorized or Intended.
- The notice states that the owner has not authorized any person or entity to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease, or otherwise encumber the property.
- The owner’s preferred contact information is included in the notice.
- The notice is recorded in the applicable Rhode Island land evidence records.
- Professional parties reviewing a transaction can contact the owner directly to verify intent.
Monitoring vs. Proactive Recording
Many monitoring services notify property owners AFTER a document has already been recorded. This service is intended to place a proactive notice directly in the public land evidence records BEFORE a fraudulent transaction gains momentum.
Who May Wish to Consider This Service?
- Owners of vacant land
- Out-of-state property owners
- Families holding inherited property
- Property held in trusts or LLCs
- Owners not actively marketing their property
Flat Fee: $300.00
- Attorney preparation by Kenyon Law Associates, LLP
- Recording in Rhode Island land evidence records
- Initial recording fee included
- Preparation of future Revocation document
- Draft review before recording
Important Information
This service does not guarantee that fraud will never be attempted and does not constitute title insurance or legal representation. Its purpose is to assist verifying parties in contacting the owner directly before relying on suspicious documents.
Next Steps
To proceed with Vacant Land Fraud Protection, please complete the electronic form below. Questions? Call (401) 789-0276 or email Team@PriorityTitleCompany.com.