ALTA Releases New Resources to Help Members Discuss 49 Endorsements and Fraud Protection

June 15, 2026

As awareness of seller impersonation fraud and deed theft continues to grow, ALTA has released two new resources designed to help members educate employees and consumers about the benefits of the ALTA 49 and 49.1 Endorsements. The endorsements can be downloaded from ALTA’s policy forms page.

The materials are intended to make it easier for title professionals to explain how the endorsements provide protection against losses resulting from forgery and certain types of impersonation fraud involving deeds and mortgages. They also provide members with ready-to-use educational content that can be incorporated into customer conversations, marketing campaigns, Realtor presentations and community outreach efforts.

  • The first resource, an agent talking points guide, provides title and settlement professionals with clear, consistent messaging they can use when discussing the endorsements with consumers, real estate agents and lenders. The guide explains the risks addressed by the endorsements, outlines key coverage concepts and offers practical language for answering common questions.
  • The second document is a consumer education flyer that members can share directly with homebuyers and property owners. Written in plain language, the flyer explains the growing threat of seller impersonation fraud, how criminals use forged documents to transfer ownership interests or create fraudulent liens, and how the endorsements can provide an additional layer of protection.

The resources are available for download through ALTA's marketing resource center and may be branded and customized for local use by ALTA members.

ALTA developed the 49 and 49.1 Endorsements to address risks associated with fraudulent transfers and certain forged documents that may affect ownership rights after a policy is issued. The resources arrive as fraud continues to be a major concern across the real estate industry. High-profile cases involving forged deeds and seller impersonation schemes have generated increased attention from consumers, regulators and the media. A study by ALTA showed nearly a third experienced a seller impersonation fraud attempt in 2024. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly two-thirds of local Realtor associations reported awareness of deed or title fraud in their markets during the past year.

Available Resources
Upcoming Training

ALTA will host three in-person bootcamps called The 49 Advantage: Selling Fraud Protection to provide education about the endorsements. Bootcamp schedule:

  • Las Vegas | Monday, Aug. 10 | Sponsored by CertifID
  • Philadelphia | Wednesday, Aug. 12 | Sponsored by CertifID
  • Atlanta | Friday, Aug. 14 | Sponsored by Qualia

Click here to register.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].