Deed fraud, also known as deed theft, is a type of real estate crime where scammers illegally transfer ownership of a property through forgery or other fraudulent means. This crime often targets vulnerable homeowners, such as seniors or those facing financial difficulties, and can result in significant legal costs, loss of equity, or even the complete loss of the property. Common methods include forging signatures on deeds and filing false documents with local land record offices.
EXAMPLES OF DEED FRAUD
Queens, New York Scheme
A couple in South Ozone Park pleaded guilty to a deed fraud scheme involving five properties. They forged documents to transfer ownership from rightful owners often elderly individuals and sold the properties for profit. In one instance, they used a fake death certificate to facilitate a sale.
Raleigh, North Carolina Case
In Raleigh, Craig Adams discovered his $4 million home had been fraudulently deeded to a stranger. Though he proved ownership, undoing the scam required legal action and costly attorney fees. The scammer exploited weak verification processes at the local Register of Deeds office.
