Do you want an added layer of security for yourself or a family member?
Property Owner Alert gives you, your family, carers and trusted support people an added layer of awareness by sending email alerts when certain activity occurs on a Victorian land title.
It can be useful when supporting an elderly parent, vulnerable relative or someone who may be at risk of financial pressure, scams or unauthorised property activity.
Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlights that financial abuse of older people can involve pressure around money, possessions or property, and that many older people who experience financial abuse do not seek help or advice.
42% of older people who experienced financial abuse reported being pressured into giving or loaning money, possessions or property.
34% reported money, possessions or property being taken without permission.
7 in 10 older people who experienced financial abuse did not seek help or advice.
Property Owner Alert may be helpful if you:
- want to monitor a property title for yourself, or a member of your family
- support an elderly parent or relative with property matters
- care for someone who may be vulnerable to financial pressure or scams
- are concerned that someone may not notice unusual property-related activity
- want an added layer of awareness
How Property Owner Alert works:
Property Owner Alert monitors a selected land title, and notifications are sent to the nominated email address when relevant title activity is detected.
This may be useful where a trusted family member, carer or support person helps monitor title activity for someone they care about.
Property Owner Alert is an email alert service. It does not prevent, block, approve, investigate or reverse property transactions.
Alerts are sent by email and are intended to notify you that certain title activity has occurred. They may not contain all details about the transaction or the people involved.
What should I do if I receive an alert I am concerned about?
An alert does not necessarily mean something is wrong. It means activity has occurred or been initiated, and you may wish to check whether it is expected.
If the activity is unexpected, contact the relevant lawyer, conveyancer or property professional, or seek independent legal advice.
If you are concerned about elder abuse, financial abuse, coercion or pressure, contact Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821. If someone is in immediate danger or it is an emergency, call 000.
Examples of title activity that may trigger an alert:
This list is not exhaustive.
Encumbrance changes or updates
Caveat changes or updates
Ownership transfers
Mortgage changes or discharges
New mortgages
Refinances
Sale of property
Legal professional initiates a transaction
Resources:
If you are concerned about elder abuse or financial abuse in Victoria, contact Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821.
Victoria Police provides information about elder abuse, how to report it, and how police can respond.
Read about the findings from the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, and understand elder abuse in Australia
For legal information and advice, Victoria Legal Aid may be able to help.