{"id":7418,"date":"2026-04-29T23:45:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T03:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=7418"},"modified":"2026-04-29T23:45:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T03:45:38","slug":"the-best-laws-against-deed-theft-how-does-your-state-rank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/the-best-laws-against-deed-theft-how-does-your-state-rank\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Laws Against Deed Theft: How Does Your State Rank?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-style-rounded is-style-rounded--1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-best-laws-against-deed-theft.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-best-laws-against-deed-theft.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-best-laws-against-deed-theft-300x132.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-best-laws-against-deed-theft-1024x452.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/the-best-laws-against-deed-theft-768x339.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For those concerned about where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/title-thieves-are-robbing-the-dickens-out-of-homeowners\/\">deed theft<\/a> is taken most seriously under the laws, the data security firm EquityProtect has the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The company\u2019s new Property Protection Scorecard sums up the current status of each of the 50 states and Washington, DC. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The equityprotect.com\/scorecard webpage ranks states using five tiers. Tier 1 shows the states with deed fraud-specific criminal penalties; the fifth tier is made up of states with no specific law or policy action so far. Here\u2019s the rundown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tier 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tier 1 lists the states with \u201cmajor laws\u201d on the books. These may amount to \u201ccomprehensive\u201d and specific criminal provisions to deal with deed fraud, ID verification for deed recording, and powers for deed recorders to refuse suspicious filings. These states have made significant legislative headway:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/deed-theft-crackdown-new-yorks-on-a-roll\/\">New York<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/keeping-ahead-of-the-deed-snatchers-from-albany-to-honolulu\/#:~:text=it%E2%80%99s%20now%20a%20felony%20for%20anyone%20to%20falsify%20a%20property%20deed%20in%20Michigan\">Michigan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illinois<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/texas-says-times-up-for-deed-hustlers\/\">Texas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/keeping-ahead-of-the-deed-snatchers-from-albany-to-honolulu\/#:~:text=In%20Georgia%2C%20lawmakers%20have%20acted.\">Georgia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/deed-theft-should-not-exist\/#:~:text=Oklahoma%20County%20now%20has%20a%20free%20deed%20fraud%20alert%20system\">Oklahoma<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/tennessee-deed-fraud-law-update\/\">Tennessee<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All seven states\u2014New York, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Tennessee\u2014have put deed fraud statutes on the books since 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tier 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Where are new laws being made right now? Tier 2 is the \u201cactive\u201d group:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/pennsylvania-gets-ready-to-pass-deed-fraud-law-and-philly-says-no-more-deed-theft-from-the-dead\/\">Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Virginia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/on-the-rise-deed-theft-in-new-england\/#:~:text=fraud%20incidents%20in%20Maine%2C%20Massachusetts\">Massachusetts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New Jersey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/on-the-rise-deed-theft-in-new-england\/#:~:text=WMUR%20News%209%20Investigates%3A%20FBI%20Warns%20of%20Increasing%20Reports%20of%20Deed%20Theft%20in%20New%20Hampshire\">New Hampshire<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kansas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connecticut<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/end-deed-fraud-florida-tests-id-rule-california-requires-alerts\/\">California<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All eight of these states have promising bills pending in the 2025-26 legislative session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tier 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tier 3 states have made \u201cpartial\u201d progress:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maryland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/deed-theft-should-not-exist\/#:~:text=The%20Ohio%20Recorders%E2%80%99%20Association%20advocates%20for%20stronger%20state%20laws%20to%20stop%20deed%20thieves\">Ohio<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/new-deed-fraud-law-advances-in-arizona\/\">Arizona<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indiana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/keeping-ahead-of-the-deed-snatchers-from-albany-to-honolulu\/#:~:text=a%20flurry%20of%20bills%20have%20been%20proposed\">North Carolina<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Carolina<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nevada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>North Dakota<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Washington<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colorado<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Florida<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The states listed above have taken action in some way. For example, they may have started mandatory alert systems for deed holders in all counties; and\/or they may empower county deed recorders to step in and refuse to record suspicious deeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tier 4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This group of states is the studying\/monitoring batch. These states appear to be watching and waiting, perhaps developing research and working teams, and may have already devised partial deed fraud reforms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/on-the-rise-deed-theft-in-new-england\/#:~:text=fraud%20incidents%20in%20Maine%2C%20Massachusetts\">Maine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/next-rhode-island-is-now-proposing-a-law-to-stop-impersonators-from-recording-deeds\/\">Rhode Island<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>West Virginia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/will-louisville-make-new-rules-to-stop-quitclaim-fraud-the-question-is-now-a-political-flashpoint\/\">Kentucky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alabama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wisconsin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minnesota<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Iowa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missouri<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/arkansas-act-752-of-2025-new-identity-verification-requirements-for-deed-recording\/\">Arkansas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Louisiana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Dakota<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nebraska<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oregon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Idaho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utah<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/keeping-ahead-of-the-deed-snatchers-from-albany-to-honolulu\/#:~:text=Hawaii%20Lawmaker%20Proposes%20a%20%E2%80%9CSimple%20Fix%E2%80%9D\">Hawaii<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As we can see, the question of legislating around deed theft is on many states\u2019 radar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tier 5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This group shows no specific deed fraud law or policy action so far. Fraud and forgery laws are on the books in every state, so improper deed filings could still be held accountable. Yet the<em> specific<\/em> needs of a victim of deed theft are not addressed in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vermont<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delaware<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mississippi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Washington, DC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alaska<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New Mexico<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wyoming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Montana<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So, state laws on deed theft (as of the end of the first quarter of 2026) vary. At present, the national trend is moving toward establishing consumer-protection and criminal laws to stop the spread of deed manipulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the Role of EquityProtect?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ryan Marshall, the company\u2019s CEO, says the scorecard displays \u201ca critical truth: legislation is an important step, but it is not protection.\u201d This is because laws are more likely to punish deed theft rather than prevent it. EquityProtect promises prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As regular <em>Deeds.com <\/em>readers know, some laws actually <em>can <\/em>prevent deed theft. For example, with&nbsp;House Bill 1762, Tennessee property owners, lawyers, or title insurance agents (who must be licensed in the state) must present a sworn affidavit confirming they prepared it, beginning this July. This is one example of a strict\u2014and preventative\u2014legal provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EquityProtect is marketing a \u201ctitle lock\u201d product. It works by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Filing a claim on the property with the county recorder of deeds, and requiring multi-factor authentication from the deed holder to make changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitoring public records and the internet for fraud indicators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Equity Protect\u2019s \u201cSmartPolicy\u201d claim is meant to deter bad actors who\u2019d have an easier time targeting free and clear titles. But is this a novel idea? Deed holders themselves could\u2014and some do\u2014open secured equity loans or credit lines (which might or might not come with fees) if they want to encumber their titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As stated on its current pricing page, EquityProtect charges $59.99 per year to monitor claims recorded in your county and activity on listing sites. Many counties offer free alert services, and you can monitor real estate sites yourself. EquityProtect charges $149.99 a year to add two more features, including filing a \u201csecured instrument\u201d on your property and reimbursing \u201celigible losses\u201d up to one million dollars.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EquityProtect is a subscription model, in contrast with an owner\u2019s title insurance policy, for which you only pay one premium up front. With title insurance, protection spans the life of your ownership to guard the interests of you and your heirs. Bottom line: a robust title insurance policy is still the best way to guard a property\u2019s value against bad actors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-5-background-color has-background has-small-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><strong><em>Deed theft by quitclaim can happen without resolving claims on the home\u2014through a transfer <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/zeroing-in-the-subject-to-clause-in-your-real-estate-deed\/\"><strong><em>subject to encumbrances of record<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>. Moreover, some swindlers do falsify loan satisfaction documents for secured instruments. Deed fraud accompanied by fraudulent lien releases? Yes, it can happen.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Your Equity Protected Against Deed Theft?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When swindlers go after people\u2019s titles, they\u2019re essentially looking to exploit home equity. If your mortgage is paid off, there\u2019s probably a lot to exploit. No wonder EquityProtect found older adults particularly vulnerable to heavy losses\u201444% of the dollar value overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the National Association of REALTORS\u00ae points to empty homes as the most likely targets. Six in ten equity theft cases involve properties left unoccupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, any deed can be at risk. EquityProtect warns that title fraud \u201ceven in states with strong criminal statutes\u201d costs victims \u201can average of $50,000\u2013$150,000 in legal fees.\u201d That\u2019s a daunting burden for anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet you might already have recourse to coverage. If you bought a title policy (at the closing of your original mortgage or refinanced loan), your home is protected to the extent of your policy coverage. An&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/home-buyers-cover-your-assets-choosing-between-standard-and-extended-title-insurance\/\">enhanced owner\u2019s policy<\/a>&nbsp;is the strongest guard. You can ask any title company you might use about post-closing deed theft coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And do check your county website and sign up for the alert system if available. That way, you\u2019ll know if someone records a claim against your title.&nbsp; Yes, as EquityProtect says, even the best alert systems only inform the deed holder of activity against the deed&nbsp;<em>after<\/em>&nbsp;it occurs. But alerted, quick-acting homeowners can report suspicious activity to their title companies and law enforcement before the home is resold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some homeowners transfer their deeds into companies or trusts. If you\u2019re seeking the strongest way to safeguard your title, consult a local real estate lawyer. For general guidance, see a title expert who knows the law of your home\u2019s state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-5-background-color has-background has-small-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><strong><em>Do you check in on your credit profile periodically, just to make sure there\u2019s no unexpected activity? Learn more about identity theft and&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/selling-a-home-but-not-your-own-the-dramatic-rise-of-seller-impersonation-fraud\/\"><strong><em>fraud by impersonation<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>.<\/em><\/strong><strong><em><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-accent-5-background-color has-background has-small-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<p><strong>Supporting References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jacob Gaffney, Press Contact for <em>Gaffney Austin<\/em>, via <em>Businesswire.com<\/em>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260416067250\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EquityProtect Launches First National Scorecard Tracking State Protections Against Deed Theft<\/a> (Apr. 16, 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brad Finkelstein for <em>National Mortgage News<\/em>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalmortgagenews.com\/news\/a-third-of-states-lack-deed-fraud-laws-report-finds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Third of States Lack Deed Fraud Laws, Report Finds<\/a> (Apr. 20, 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Christy Murdock for <em>Inman Real Estate News<\/em>: \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.inman.com\/2026\/04\/20\/over-half-of-states-have-no-laws-on-the-books-to-protect-homeowners-from-title-fraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Over Half of States Have No Laws on the Books to Protect Homeowners From Title Fraud<\/a> (Apr. 20, 2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Deeds.com<\/em>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/borrowing-against-your-title-to-ward-off-deed-theft-a-smart-idea\/\">Borrowing Against Your Title to Ward Off Deed Theft \u2013 A Smart Idea<\/a>? (Feb. 3, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And as linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More on topics: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/selling-a-home-but-not-your-own-the-dramatic-rise-of-seller-impersonation-fraud\/\">Avoiding seller impersonation fraud<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/the-quitclaim-deed-and-fraudulent-real-estate-transactions\/\">Quitclaim deeds in fraudulent transfers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/a-man-in-black-suit-writing-on-white-paper-8112126\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pavel Danilyuk<\/a>, via Pexels\/Canva.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For those concerned about where deed theft is taken most seriously under the laws, the data security firm EquityProtect has the facts. The company\u2019s new Property Protection Scorecard sums up the current status of each of the 50 states and Washington, DC. &nbsp; The equityprotect.com\/scorecard webpage ranks states using five tiers. Tier 1 shows the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7419,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[119],"tags":[3609,232,1200,3610,805,2338,334,1203,720,1430],"class_list":["post-7418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-deed-fraud","tag-deed-fraud-laws","tag-deed-theft","tag-homeowner-protection","tag-identity-theft-real-estate","tag-property-fraud","tag-quitclaim-deed-fraud","tag-real-estate-fraud","tag-title-fraud","tag-title-insurance","tag-title-protection"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Deed Theft Laws by State: 2026 Scorecard<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"See how your state ranks on deed theft laws in 2026. 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