Greenwich property owners who received suspicious LifeLock alerts can now sign up for the town's own free fraud-detection tool.

The Greenwich Police Department warned residents in mid-October about potentially fraudulent notifications from LifeLock, a third-party identity theft protection service. Several people contacted the town saying the alerts claimed property purchases had been made in their names, according to News 12 Connecticut. The notifications raised concerns about possible identity theft and unauthorized real estate transactions, police said.

Greenwich does not use LifeLock to monitor property transactions or issue land-record fraud alerts. The service is not affiliated with the town or its official land records system, police said.

The town runs its own alternative. Town Clerk Jacqueline A. Budkins launched the Real Property Activity Alert System, a free service that sends real-time email alerts whenever a resident's name appears in a land recording filed with the Town Clerk's Office. Budkins, in a statement on the town's website, called the system a major step forward in warning residents about potential property fraud. She said the town remains committed to enhancing transparency and security for the community.

Property owners can register at greenwich.ct.publicsearch.us by clicking "Property Alert" at the top of the page. The signup takes minutes, according to the town.

It remains unclear whether the LifeLock notifications residents received were legitimate alerts triggered by a third-party data source or spoofed messages mimicking the company. The police warning did not address that distinction, and no public statement from LifeLock or its parent company has surfaced.

Police recommended four steps for anyone who receives an unexpected property notification:

  • Confirm any reported transaction through the Greenwich Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Do not click unfamiliar links or share personal or financial information in response to unexpected alerts.
  • If the notification came from LifeLock, verify it through the company's official website or customer service line.
  • Review financial accounts, credit reports and property records regularly for unauthorized activity.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted should contact the Greenwich Police Department. Residents with questions about their land records can reach the Town Clerk's Office or register for the free alert system at greenwich.ct.publicsearch.us.