Douglas County Register of Deeds and FBI Join Forces to Combat Fraud

Last Updated on Monday, 23 May 2011 14:14

The following media alert was distributed on Sept. 11, 2009:

Omaha, NE--Douglas County Register of Deeds Diane Battiato (CPO) is forming a new organization in Nebraska titled PREP (Property Records Education Partners) that will partner with the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) to fight the escalating mortgage- and land-fraud problem in the U.S.  According to the FBI, more than $1 billion in losses occurred in the country last year due to land and mortgage fraud.  Battiato said the partnership will strengthen communication and interaction at the local level among the FBI, state and local law-enforcement agencies, and private/public-sector industry representatives such as title companies, banks, real estate attorneys and escrow agents.

Battiato said the Southeast Nebraska PREP Chapter and the FBI are conducting a special mortgage- and land-fraud session on:

Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at 1 p.m., in the Omaha-Douglas Civic Center's legislative chambers, 1819 Farnam St.

Battiato, and Ellen Albrecht, vice president and state manager, First American Title Insurance Company, are co-hosts for the event.  FBI Special Agent Michael Bailey is the guest speaker.  "There is no question there is a strong need to strengthen communication and increase interaction between federal law-enforcement agencies investigating mortgage fraud, and private industry.  This partnership is a significant step in that direction," Battiato said.

For more information about the session, or to register, R.S.V.P to Barb Smith, 402-444-7461, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .