Ever wonder what fraud looks like in a title search?
This is *not* a release
The document above looks like a release of a deed of trust. The recorder indexed it like a release of a deed of trust. The title searcher regarded it as a release of deed of trust, and showed the lien as satisfied.
Fortunately, the title examiner carefully reviewed the document, and noted that the language was neither consistent with a typical release, nor was it executed by the lender or trustee. After questioning the owner, it was discovered that the reconveyance was indeed a fraud.
While the value of title insurance is often measured in claims paid, the above represents a "shadow benefit" that the claims numbers do not reflect: a claim avoided.
