Deed Theft
Deed theft is when someone tries to steal your home on paper.
They may forge your name or trick you into signing documents.
They may also file fake papers to make it look like they own your home. If you think this may be happening, get help right away.
What is deed theft?
A deed is the legal paper that shows who owns a home.
In a deed theft scam, someone tries to take your home by lying, forging your name, or filing fake papers.
Some scammers tell homeowners they are signing papers for help.
But the papers may actually give the home to someone else.
In other cases, a scammer may file a fake deed without the homeowner knowing. Sometimes they use a company name to hide who they are.
Who may be at higher risk
Scammers often target homeowners who are:
behind on mortgage payments
behind on property taxes
behind on water bills
in foreclosure
older adults on a fixed income
What to do right away
If you think someone is trying to steal your deed:
Do not sign anything you do not understand
Do not give away documents about your home
Do not trust promises that sound too good to be true
Get trusted legal or housing counseling help right away
Keep copies of letters, emails, texts, and papers
Write down names, phone numbers, and dates
Warning signs
Brooklyn Legal Services says you may be dealing with deed theft if:
Someone asks you to give them your home on paper to fix your credit
You are behind on payments and start getting lots of high-pressure calls, letters, or visits
Someone tells you not to get your own lawyer or advisor
What scammers may say
A scammer may tell you:
“This will save your home.”
“This is only temporary. You can get your home back later.”
“You do not need your own lawyer.”
“Sign now before it is too late.”
Some homeowners are told they are signing papers for a mortgage change or another kind of help, when the papers are really used to transfer the home. Others are told the transfer is temporary, then later the scammer tries to evict them and sell the property.
How to report deed theft
If you think deed theft has happened, contact the New York State Attorney General:
Call: 1-800-771-7755
Email: deedtheft@ag.ny.gov
Online: Attorney General complaint form
The Attorney General’s office can take your complaint and help guide you to the next step.
Get free help
To see if you qualify for free help, contact HomeownerHelpNY:
Call: 855-HOME-3456
Online: Get Help form
How to protect yourself
You can take steps now to help protect your home:
Sign up for the NYC Department of Finance’s Recorded Document Notification Program
Review any new document filed for your property
Make sure the information is correct
Get advice from someone you trust before signing papers about your home
Remember
Real help should not feel rushed, secret, or confusing.
If someone pressures you to sign papers about your home, stop and get advice first.