Fraudulently filing for a property deed might be easier with AI:

One of AI’s hallmarks is its ability to learn and digest enormous amounts of information. Property data is readily available to the public, and in some states, a simple search can unearth appraisal data, blueprints, transaction records, and even pictures of executed deeds. With AI, fake documents could be created faster and more realistic-looking.

“They’re just creating these AI models that are reading all of the public records and public data that they can possibly get their hands on, that are then creating a means by which they can manipulate that information,” Adams said. “So it’s like the ingestion is now automated because of AI models, and then the impersonation is a lot more sophisticated.”

An AI tool might be able to recognize a vacant property in a database faster than a human could or identify homes without mortgages attached to them (which could mark them as targets for a refinancing scheme).

The amount of personal information available to fraudsters also makes impersonation easier.

Kiar said his office has handled hundreds of fraud cases. Only two of those cases so far have involved AI, but he remains concerned that more are on the way.

Public databases have numerous advantages. People can search information more quickly. Processes can be automated. Local governments can demonstrate transparency. Researchers can access information.

But this story hints at the down sides. Anyone – or any system – could access the information. Those with malicious intent might be able to make something of the information intended to serve the public good.

The article suggests a need for verifying the identity for those filing a deed. Two-factor authentication for local government transactions! Could such verification require non-online actions, thus negating some of the advantages of online transactions?