Property fraud is one of the fastest-growing white-collar crimes—and most homeowners don’t see it coming until it’s too late. In response, Georgia has launched a new free tool to help residents monitor activity tied to their real estate and personal property: the Filing Activity Notification System (FANS).
If you own property in Georgia, here’s what you need to know.
What Is FANS?
The Filing Activity Notification System (FANS) is a free opt-in service offered by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). It alerts you by email or text when certain legal documents—like deeds, liens, or transfers—are filed in your name with the Clerk of Superior Court.
This allows property owners to quickly detect potential fraud or unauthorized filings and take legal action before serious damage is done.
How FANS Works
FANS is voluntary, quick to set up, and only takes a few minutes:
- Register at fans.gsccca.org with your email or mobile number.
- Agree to terms and conditions as outlined by the GSCCCA.
- Enter the name(s) and, optionally, the address(es) you want to monitor.
- Get alerts whenever a filing is indexed with that information going forward.
FANS does not monitor past filings—it only tracks new documents filed after you enroll.
Why It Matters
Criminals have been known to fraudulently transfer deeds, record fake liens, or impersonate owners to commit real estate theft. These schemes are difficult to unwind once recorded. FANS gives you an early warning so you can challenge suspicious filings quickly.
If you’re a homeowner, executor, trustee, or business owner, signing up for FANS is a smart way to protect your real property and personal interests.
👉 Also read: Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Cause Stress for Your Heirs
Limitations of FANS
FANS is a powerful tool, but it’s not a full-service fraud protection system. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- It doesn’t prevent fraud—it only alerts you after a filing occurs.
- Notifications depend on clerk data, which may vary in accuracy or timing.
- You won’t see the full document—you’ll need to follow up with the Clerk’s office for details.
- It only works going forward, not for documents already on file before registration.
Still, it’s one of the best no-cost steps you can take to monitor your property.
FANS + Legal Planning = Real Protection
While FANS can alert you to a problem, it can’t solve it. That’s where smart legal planning comes in. Consider combining FANS with:
- A revocable living trust to better control how property is titled
- Powers of attorney to allow someone to respond quickly on your behalf
- A clear estate plan to prevent confusion or delay in future ownership transfers
👉 Learn more about how a trust works in Georgia
Let Hurban Law Help You Protect What’s Yours
At Hurban Law, LLC, we help individuals and families across Georgia safeguard their property through estate planning, asset protection, and probate guidance. Signing up for FANS is a great step—but having the right legal documents in place is essential for long-term security.
Contact us today if you receive a suspicious FANS alert or want to update your estate plan to better protect your assets.