Real Estate Agent Admits To Deed Theft Scheme In Rockland County

NEW YORK — A Rockland real estate agent who preyed on a homeowner in crisis is the first to be convicted under newly strengthened state deed theft laws, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.

James announced today that her office secured the guilty plea of former Rockland County real estate agent Oscar Dais for forging the signature of a homeowner to steal her property without her knowledge.

In August 2021, Dais forged the signature of Monique Hill on a deed to take ownership of a Rockland County home while the home was in foreclosure.

Dais pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Rockland County Court to forgery and violation of the Home Equity Theft Protection Act (HETPA). The criminal conviction is the first under HETPA, which helps protect New Yorkers from being taken advantage of when selling their home in foreclosure.

Attorney General James lobbied to expand HETPA in 2023 in an effort to prevent deed theft.

"Oscar Dais took advantage of a homeowner who was dealing with a foreclosure and stole her property without her knowledge," James said. "No New Yorker should have to fear that the home they own will be stolen from them. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to fight deed theft throughout our state and bring scammers like Oscar Dais to justice."

See Also: 6 Indicted In $2M Westchester County Home Deed Theft Scheme

In 2016, Hill's mortgage lender began foreclosure proceedings after she and her husband defaulted on their mortgage. In August 2021, Dais created a copy of Hill's deed with a signature line for “Monique Clark” – Hill's former married name which she did not use. Dais then forged Hill's signature on the deed and had it falsely notarized. Dais filed the forged deed with the Rockland County Clerk's Office, transferring ownership of the property to a company he controlled.

At the time that this deed was forged, notarized, and filed, Hill was in the Dominican Republic and had no knowledge of the forged deed.

In October 2021, Hill reported the fraudulent deed to the Office of the Attorney General. She then filed a civil suit against Dais, which is still pending. As a result of his conviction, Dais will pay restitution to Hill and the fraudulent deed will be voided, restoring Hill's ownership of her share of the property.

New Yorkers who believe they are a victim of deed theft are being encouraged to contact Attorney General by calling 1(800) 771-7755, sending an email to this address, or filing a confidential complaint.