Deed Theft - What you Need to Know to Protect your Home

Over the past few years, deed theft has become prevalent in our neighborhoods and in new stories across America.

Deed theft, also known as title theft, is the unlawful transfer of property. Deed theft occurs when a thief takes the title to a home without the homeowner’s knowledge or approval.
Deed theft typically occurs through forgery, fraud, identity theft, and fraudulent liens and foreclosures. Some examples are below:

• Forgery — A thief fakes a homeowner’s signature on a deed and files it with the county clerk
• Fraud — A homeowner signs their deed over to a thief without realizing what they are signing; oftentimes the thief makes false promises to help the homeowner
• Identity Theft — A criminal steals your personal information to impersonate you; they may then forge your signature on a deed transfer document, notarize it, and file it with the county to make it appear legitimate
• Fraudulent Liens and Foreclosures — Criminals will create fake liens or initiate fraudulent foreclosure actions to take control of a property; after securing the deed through these schemes, they may sell the property to unsuspecting buyers or take out loans

Any homeowner can be a victim of deed theft, but criminals primarily target:

• Abandoned or empty properties
• Properties in foreclosure
• Properties with tax or utility liens
• Properties where the homeowner is deceased
• Heirs who do not legally transfer title to the property

Anyone can be a victim of deed fraud, but seniors, immigrants, and people of color are most at risk.

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LaShawn Freeman, Douglas Elliman Real Estate Agent
Unlocking new memories, one door at a time.
M: 917.254.3313 / E: lashawn.freeman@elliman.com

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