Feb42026
Real Estate Q&A Series

How do I correct or remove an unauthorized change to a mortgage or loan account? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, correcting an unauthorized change to a mortgage or loan account usually starts with getting the servicer to lock down the account and provide the documents that supposedly authorized the change. If the change was based on a forged or fraudulent document, the fix may require a written dispute plus a court order to clear the public record and restore control. Because delays can lead to missed payments, credit damage, or foreclosure activity, the safest approach is to act quickly and document every step.

Understanding the Problem

Under North Carolina real estate and lending rules, can a borrower undo a mortgage or loan account change when another person is added to the account without permission and the borrower loses control over login access and notification settings? The key decision point is whether the “change” is only an internal servicing/account-access update, or whether a document was signed and recorded (or submitted to the lender) that changes legal rights in the loan or the deed of trust. The steps to correct the problem depend on which of those happened and how quickly the account can be secured.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law treats forged or fraud-based loan and real estate documents as serious misconduct, and it provides both criminal and civil pathways to address it. Practically, the fastest first move is usually administrative: demand the servicer’s fraud/identity-theft team freeze changes, restore verified access, and produce the paperwork supporting the “added name.” If the lender relies on a forged instrument (for example, a promissory note endorsement/assignment or a recorded document tied to the loan), a civil court case may be needed to declare the document invalid and require correction of records.

Key Requirements

  • Identify what was changed: Determine whether the issue is (a) online access/contact preferences, (b) the loan’s “authorized user” or “borrower” profile, or (c) a legal change supported by a signed/recorded document (such as an assignment, modification, release, or other instrument tied to the loan).
  • Prove lack of authorization: Gather records showing the borrower did not sign or approve the change (examples: signature mismatch, no notary appearance, timeline conflicts, prior account statements, and communications with the servicer).
  • Use the right forum: Servicer disputes and fraud escalations happen through the lender/servicer first; clearing a forged or fraudulent instrument that affects property rights typically requires action in North Carolina state court and, if recorded, coordination with the county Register of Deeds.

What the Statutes Say

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: The reported problem includes (1) another person being added to a mortgage and (2) loss of control over the account’s email/text notification settings. That points to an account-control and identity-verification issue first, and possibly a forged or fraud-based authorization document second. The immediate goal is to force the servicer to (a) explain what document or process allowed the change and (b) restore access based on verified identity; if the servicer’s file shows a signed authorization, modification, or other instrument that the borrower did not sign, the dispute shifts toward fraud documentation and potential court relief to unwind the change.

Process & Timing

  1. Who files: The borrower (or the borrower’s attorney). Where: First with the mortgage servicer’s fraud/identity-theft department; if a recorded document is involved, also with the county Register of Deeds for copies; if court relief is needed, in North Carolina state court in the county where the property is located. What: A written fraud/identity-theft dispute packet requesting (i) immediate account freeze on profile changes, (ii) restoration of verified access and contact settings, and (iii) copies of all documents and logs supporting the added name (including any signed authorizations and notary information if applicable). When: As soon as the unauthorized change is discovered.
  2. Escalate with documentation: Provide proof of identity and a clear statement that no authorization was given. Request written confirmation of the account’s current authorized parties and where notices are being sent. If the servicer claims a document exists, demand a complete copy and the date it was received and processed.
  3. Correct the public record if needed: If the “change” involves a recorded instrument or a document being used to affect property rights, the next step may be a civil action seeking an order that the document is invalid and requiring corrective action. After an order (or other accepted corrective instrument), the correction is recorded so future title searches reflect the fix.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

  • “Added to the account” may not mean “added to the loan”: Some servicers add an “authorized user” for communications without changing who is legally obligated on the promissory note. The fix may be simpler if no legal document changed the loan terms.
  • Servicer access rules can be strict: Even when fraud is suspected, servicers often require identity verification and specific forms before changing contact details. Incomplete packets can delay restoration of access.
  • Recorded-document problems usually require more than a phone call: If a forged or fraudulent instrument is in the land records, clearing it typically requires a formal legal process; simply recording a “statement” may not remove the cloud on title.
  • Notice and proof issues: Keeping a clean paper trail matters—dates of discovery, copies of statements, screenshots of access loss, and written servicer responses often drive the outcome.

Related reading: When the issue involves forged real estate paperwork, the same investigation steps often apply as in forged signatures or a fraudulent deed, and if the problem escalates into enforcement activity, the strategy overlaps with challenging or pausing a foreclosure.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, correcting an unauthorized mortgage or loan account change usually requires (1) confirming what was changed, (2) documenting that the change was not authorized, and (3) using the right forum—servicer fraud escalation for account access issues and, if a forged or fraud-based instrument is involved, court action to invalidate it and correct records. The most important next step is to submit a written fraud dispute to the servicer requesting an immediate freeze on account changes and copies of all documents supporting the added name.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If you’re dealing with an unauthorized change to a mortgage or loan account and loss of control over notices or access, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help explain options and timelines under North Carolina law. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.

Category: Real Estate Q&A Series

Author: Pierce Law

Pierce Law Group is a North Carolina law firm focused on probate administration, real estate partition matters, and surplus funds claims across North Carolina. We know these situations often come with stress, family dynamics, and time-sensitive decisions—so we prioritize clear communication, steady guidance, and a practical plan from day one. Our goal is to make a complicated process feel manageable, while protecting what matters most to you.