{"id":3096,"date":"2023-07-05T14:48:28","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T18:48:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=3096"},"modified":"2024-04-25T23:17:36","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T03:17:36","slug":"deed-theft-is-a-crime-says-new-york-legislature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/deed-theft-is-a-crime-says-new-york-legislature\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cDeed Theft\u201d Is a Crime, Says New York Legislature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bill Passes, Awaits the Governor\u2019s Signature<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On June 24, 2023, New York\u2019s lawmakers passed a bill to create the crime of deed theft<\/a> and help New Yorkers hold onto their homes. The state\u2019s Attorney General, Letitia James, has been vocal about the need for new legislation to help keep New Yorkers in their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State Sen. Brian Kavanagh and Assembly member Helene Weinstein sponsored the legislation. The lawmakers drafted it in direct collaboration with A.G. James herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis legislation provides the Attorney General the tools needed to protect homeowners at risk of displacement,\u201d A.G. James said in a press release, adding: \u201c[W]e look forward to the Governor swiftly signing this bill into law.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Elders and Minorities Are the Most Victimized in Deed Crimes.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deed thieves use trickery, pressure, or forgery to transfer someone else\u2019s property deed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A.G. James explained that homeowners, \u201cespecially older adults and people of color,\u201d usually don\u2019t know when deed theft occurs, and \u201conly find out when they are forced to endure humiliating and terrifying situations to try and keep their own houses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reforms enacted in the new bill, if signed into law, will help these people fight off \u201cthe criminals who try and steal their deeds, their wealth, and their American Dream,\u201d according to A.G. James in a press release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new provisions establish the crime of theft of real property. They put consumer protection provisions in place to help innocent homeowners. They provide guidance for suspending foreclosures pending deed theft investigations. And they assist in restoring title to the rightful homeowners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the humiliating ordeals the A.G. spoke of, the new provisions will keep scammers from benefiting and victims from being further harmed in local court hearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Highlights? From This Year On\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If the governor signs these new provisions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n