Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents of Pennsylvania about scams involving false or forged transfers of property deeds or titles. While these scams are not common, officials say they can have severe consequences for victims.
Deed fraud, also known as home title theft, occurs when documents are forged to falsely transfer a property’s deed or title to another party. This can happen with or without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent. Once a fraudulent transfer is recorded, the individual may sell the home, take out a mortgage, or rent the property to tenants.
Another variation involves deceiving a homeowner into signing a deed under false pretenses, such as promises to help refinance a mortgage or pay overdue property taxes, which results in an unintended transfer of ownership. In more complex cases, scammers may target homeowners who have fallen behind on tax payments and use that information to exploit them.
Attorney General Sunday stated that deed fraud is among the most devastating scams because it can result in someone losing their home. He advised residents to immediately stop communication if an unfamiliar person contacts them unexpectedly about their home’s deed or title.
The Office of Attorney General offered several tips to help consumers protect themselves, including avoiding signing legal documents under pressure, consulting a trusted advisor or attorney, and working directly with licensed professionals when refinancing or selling a home. Property owners are also encouraged to check whether their county offers deed alert systems, review property records periodically, and regularly monitor credit reports and utility bills for suspicious activity.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of title or deed fraud is encouraged to contact the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 or file a complaint online.
