Say you're advertising to rent your home or investment property. A renter shows up who seems to have all the right documentation to qualify. It's a deal! The monthly rental checks start coming in on time. But behind your back, the renter (using an alias with fake or stolen identification) goes to the local court and files a false "satisfaction of loan" document complete with your forged signature, forged bank officers' signatures, and bank seals. This shows that the property is now "free and clear"- that is, there are no outstanding mortgages on it.

Now the renter/ con artist is able to go to lenders and take out new loans on the property-often taking out several, practically simultaneously, in your name. Suddenly your renter vanishes and three or four banks are claiming title to your home.