Report accuracy is improved via visual confirmation of property locations (left). Reports can easily be updated by users (right).
Azavea developed the Property Fraud and Mapping System to enable the reporting, editing, and management of information on suspected cases of deed and mortgage fraud.
Client: City of Philadelphia, Department of Records
Challenge: The Philadelphia Property Fraud Task Force was created to bring together the many organizations involved in property fraud cases, including government agencies such as the Philadelphia Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Records, and non profit legal aid societies. With so many people potentially involved in reporting possible cases, the Task Force wanted a single repository for information to ensure that all members would have access to the information they need to address these crimes.
Solution: Azavea created the Property Fraud Tracking and Mapping system as a GIS-enabled portal for reporting information on suspected cases of deed and mortgage fraud. A structured user account system provides each user with only the appropriate permissions to enter reports, search for existing reports, and add notes or other comments as investigations progress. Users can create alerts to be notified if a new case is reported in a specified geographic area or if changes are made to an existing report.
Outcomes: The Property Fraud Tracking and Mapping system is a valuable asset to the Task Force, enabling members to easily access and share information on cases of property conveyance fraud throughout the city. Better communication and collaboration among Task Force members helps to ensure that cases are addressed swiftly and with all available information. The use of GIS helps to ensure report accuracy through visual confirmation of report locations, enables searches and alerts to be established based on geography, and will enable future developments in visualizing and analyzing patterns in property conveyance fraud.