Pulaski County, Arkansas – With property-related scams increasing across the country, officials in Pulaski County are stepping up efforts to keep residents informed and protected. The Pulaski County Clerk’s Office has announced a six-month public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the risk of real estate fraud and helping property owners recognize warning signs before it is too late.
The initiative comes in response to growing national concerns. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, real estate fraud was among the most frequently reported scams in 2023, with 9,251 complaints and losses exceeding $145 million. Officials say the scale of the problem has made prevention and education more important than ever.
The county’s campaign will focus on informing homeowners, landowners, and especially vulnerable groups such as elderly residents and owners of vacant land. However, officials stress that no one is immune to these types of schemes, which can take many forms, including fraudulent property transfers and identity-based document filings.
“Protecting our residents’ property is one of our top priorities,” said Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth. “This six-month awareness campaign is designed to educate the public on how to prevent real estate fraud before it happens. Real estate fraud can happen to anyone, but knowledge is the first line of defense.”
The campaign is set to run through September, but county officials say the effort will not end there. The Clerk’s Office plans to continue sharing updates, alerts, and educational materials through multiple channels, especially social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor, where residents can easily access information.
In addition to online outreach, Hollingsworth and her team plan to take the message directly into the community. This includes meetings with title companies and presentations at neighborhood association gatherings. Officials say these in-person discussions will help residents better understand how property fraud occurs and what practical steps they can take to prevent it.
Community organizations are also being encouraged to participate. Groups interested in hosting informational sessions can contact the Clerk’s Office to arrange presentations tailored to local concerns and questions.
A key feature of the initiative is the Property Fraud Alert system, a free service designed to notify property owners when any document is recorded under their name in county records. Residents can sign up through the Clerk’s website, receiving email alerts that may help them quickly identify suspicious activity.
Officials are also encouraging residents to take additional precautions, including regularly checking their property records using the Pulaski County Assessor online property lookup tool. This tool allows users to verify ownership details and monitor any changes that could indicate unauthorized activity.
While technology plays a growing role in detection and prevention, officials emphasize that awareness remains the most effective defense. Simple steps such as monitoring records, responding quickly to alerts, and staying informed about common scam tactics can significantly reduce risk.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the county’s real estate department directly for assistance. Officials say the goal is to make sure people feel supported, informed, and capable of protecting one of their most valuable assets—their property.
As the campaign rolls out across Pulaski County, leaders hope it will not only reduce fraud cases but also build long-term awareness. In a landscape where scams continue to evolve, they say education is no longer optional—it is essential.
