Cook County launches free alert system to help detect property fraud

Cook County property owners can now sign up for a free alert system designed to help detect potential property or deed fraud. The service comes as concerns about real estate scams and fraudulent property transfers have prompted counties across Minnesota and the country to take steps to help protect property owners.

The Document Alert system notifies property owners when a document is recorded in the County Recorder’s Office under their name, legal description, or associated parcel number. The service is intended to provide an early warning if someone records a document without the property owner’s knowledge or authorization.

Cook County officials proposed the system earlier this year in May during a Cook County Board of Commissioners’ meeting as a preventive measure amid concerns about deed fraud. On May 26, the commissioners unanimously approved the alert system. Since then, the county has worked with the company Tyler Technologies to implement the service.

While Cook County has not had any reported cases of deed fraud, county officials said similar incidents have occurred in surrounding counties and other states.

Deed fraud occurs when someone records a forged or false document claiming an interest in real property, potentially in an attempt to establish or transfer ownership for financial gain. Such schemes can involve forged signatures, false notarizations, or documents submitted by someone without legal authority.

The newly launched Document Alert system is voluntary for Cook County property owners, and individuals must sign up to receive notifications.

To enroll, residents can create an account at idocmarket.com and select Cook County for additional information. Signing up for the alert system requires an email address. The service sends automated email and/or text notifications when a recorded document matches the enrolled property owner’s information.

“Although Document Alert cannot prevent fraudulent activity, it serves as an early warning system – empowering property owners to respond promptly if suspicious activity is detected,” said Holly Schroeder, Cook County Recorder and Registrar of Titles in a county press release.

Property owners who receive an alert can review the recording to determine whether further action may be necessary. According to the press release, document images are available through idocmarket for a subscription fee.  Property owners can also obtain a copy of a recorded document at no cost by contacting or visiting the Recorder’s Office.

For more information about the Document Alert service, visit the Cook County Recorder’s webpage or call the Recorder’s Office at 218-387-3660 or 218-387-3661.

Neighboring Lake County recently implemented a document alert system and over the past couple of years, other Minnesota counties, such as Carver, Pope, Grant, Goodhue, Otter Tail, and Anoka, have also implemented a document or property alert system as a preventative measure against deed fraud.

Kalli Hawkins October 10, 2026