HOUSTON - Three new state laws take effect September 1 to help protect property owners from the growing crime of title theft.

What is title theft?

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Title theft, also known as deed or property theft, is when fraudsters file forged documents to transfer homes and property into someone else’s name.

The property is then often sold, fraudulently listed for rent, or used to take out loans.

Investigators say it happens most often to the elderly or the owners of vacant homes.

But it can and does happen to anyone, anywhere.

New Texas laws

The Texas legislature passed some new bills to crack down on this crime.

The laws are intended to make it easier for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute, and for some victims to get restitution.

Texas Senate Bill 1734 makes it

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