Category: Deed Fraud
-
How Arizona Is Fighting Back Against Deed Fraud
A Rural County’s Innovation Becomes a Statewide Model for Property Protection Deed fraud complaints to Arizona’s Attorney General have surged in recent years, with at least 65 cases reported in just a 20-month period.¹ But from Mohave County in Arizona’s northwest corner, an innovative program is gaining traction as a model for the entire state—and…
-
Keeping Ahead of the Deed Snatchers, From Albany to Honolulu
Your deed is precious. Just ask anyone who may have lost theirs to criminals. We’ve recently seen multiple governments responding to deed crimes. Actions span the country, from Albany to Honolulu — and places in between. Here’s what’s new, and what might keep a frightening fate from befalling your deed.
-
Sell a Home You Don’t Own? Here’s How They Do It in Scottsdale
Here’s a true story about seller impersonation that landed in the news during the first week of 2026. The story starts with an owner of a home in Arizona getting an alert from the local deed recorder’s office of Maricopa County. Uh oh. The recorder’s office was notifying the deed holder that the title to…
-
Another Brooklyn Deed Theft? Isn’t This a Felony Now?
Carmella Charrington of Brooklyn has a disturbing story to tell. And New York City’s News 12 reporters listened. In a state where deed theft is now named as grand larceny under the criminal law, some self-declared “new homeowner” broke into her home earlier this month. Then the stranger tried to evict Charrington. The office of…
-
Will Louisville Make New Rules to Stop Quitclaim Fraud? The Question Is Now a Political Flashpoint
In Louisville, Kentucky, residents are demanding that officials create safeguards to prevent the recording of fraudulent deeds. Louisville is located in Jefferson County, the largest of the Kentucky counties. The county has been in the news over quitclaim deed fraud. In a recent, high-profile case, a con artist got away with transferring a deed out…
-
A First in the Nation: Cuyahoga County to Install Two-Factor Authentication for Recorded Documents
Could the party be over for deed thieves in Cuyahoga County, Ohio? Home to the beautiful city of Cleveland, it will soon be the first U.S. county to offer two-factor authentication for the recording of legal documents. This is a milestone in the effort to stop fraudulent deed transfers. To explain the forthcoming change, we…
-
Deed Theft Update: Disbarred Lawyer Jailed in New York
The New York Times reports that Sanford Solny, convicted in June in the Supreme Court of Brooklyn (pictured in banner photo), is now in jail. Solny is a disbarred lawyer and real estate investor charged with stealing New York City homes. He is now in jail for probation violations. “It’s about time,” said Lisa A.,…
-
AG James Nails First Criminal Conviction Under NY Home Equity Theft Protection Act
Recently, a New York real estate agent pleaded guilty in a deed theft case. Yes, a real estate agent. Oscar Dais used to be a real estate agent in Rockland County, New York. But no more. Oscar Dais admitted to a property theft that involved falsely signing a deed to his own company, while pretending…
-
Get Up to Speed: Updated Guide to AI Fraud in Real Estate Deals
With home values as high as they are now, it’s no wonder swindlers target people involved in deed transactions and mortgages. High-stakes scammers tend to be smooth operators. Smoother than ever, with artificial intelligence (AI). So it’s good to know the warning signs, and investigate concerns when in doubt. Read on for a quick view…
-
Pennsylvania Gets Ready to Pass Deed Fraud Law—And Philly Says No More Deed Theft From the Dead
Deed theft is the deliberate and wrongful transfer of real estate. It’s not particularly common across the country. But in areas where property values have shot up, it’s a growing trend. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is one area of concern. Last year, Philly tallied up 110 reports of deed fraud. We promised to keep you posted on…
-
“Locking” Your Home Title? Read This First.
You might have seen ads urging you to get services that “lock” your title against deed theft. First, is deed theft really a thing? Next, if it is, do “title lock” companies really prevent it? Yes, and no. Let’s break this down, Q&A-style. Then, we’ll offer some important but simple tips to keep tabs on…
-
Leaving Your Home for a While? An Arizona Trucker Has a Cautionary Tale
“This is home. It will always be home,” D’Andrea Turner told ABC’s Channel 15. “I raised my babies here.” D’Andrea’s ex, Keith Turner, is a trucker who went out on the road for long stretches at a time. This left the home unattended, as the pair had separated. This year, the two parents learned their…
-
Loan Shark Takes Deed During Refinance, and the Target Fights Back
A Brooklyn woman recently left her home — and not by choice. Vira Lynn Jones mistakenly signed her deed over to a loan shark a few years back, when trying to refinance. She fought the culprit in court. She’s been fighting for three and a half years. But the court hasn’t backed her up. Now,…
-
Arkansas Act 752 of 2025: New Identity Verification Requirements for Deed Recording
Arkansas will implement significant new security measures for deed recording with the passage of Act 752 of 2025, which takes effect on August 5, 2025. This landmark legislation introduces mandatory identity verification requirements for grantors presenting deeds for recording in person or by mail, marking a substantial shift in the state’s approach to combating real…
-
Ohio Cancer Survivor Recovers Home After Quitclaim Fraud
A Dayton homeowner finally got her deed back. The title to Robin M’s home was swiped out from under her while she was undergoing cancer treatments two years ago. Last year, she proved that her property was taken from her by deed theft. The Common Pleas Court of Montgomery County, Ohio determined that her Dayton…
