NC H524

Registers of deeds must provide an electronic fraud detection alert system allowing property owners to monitor up to five personal, trust, or business names per email address and receive notifications within 24 hours when land records (deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust) are recorded under those names

The alert system must be accessible via the register of deeds' website, include unsubscribe options, provide contact phone numbers, and send confirmation emails for subscription changes

Registers of deeds and counties are shielded from civil liability for creating, maintaining, or operating the fraud detection alert system, and may charge reasonable fees not exceeding actual system costs

Fraudulently listing or advertising residential property for sale without legal title is classified as a Class I felony, while fraudulently renting or leasing property without ownership remains a Class H felony

Effective October 1, 2025, victims of fraudulent property rental, leasing, listing, or advertising may pursue civil suits under unfair trade practices law (G.S. 75-1.1) and recover attorney fees without proving unwarranted refusal to resolve the matter