Deed theft involves using forgery, fraud, or deception to take ownership or control of a home without the rightful owner’s informed consent. Scammers may then try to sell the property, borrow against it, or take possession. In New York City, the issue has drawn growing attention from prosecutors, lawmakers, and City Hall, especially in Queens and Brooklyn. Knowing how these schemes work and how to monitor your property records can help you catch a problem early.
At Poltielov Law Firm P.C., we help homeowners throughout Queens and New York City respond to suspicious property transfers and protect their ownership rights. If something in your property records doesn’t look right, we can help you understand what happened and what to do next. Contact Poltielov Law Firm P.C. at (718) 520-0085 for a free consultation.
In a deed theft scheme, someone commits real estate fraud by recording a fraudulent deed or related document that makes it appear ownership has changed. Sometimes the owner’s signature is forged. Other times, the owner is tricked into signing a document they don’t understand.
Deed theft isn’t new, but increased reporting and new government initiatives have brought it greater attention. According to CBS News New York, deed theft complaints to the New York Attorney General’s Office rose from 149 in 2023 to 222 in 2024, then to 517 in 2025. These are statewide complaints, not confirmed cases, and not limited to New York City.
The Attorney General’s office has attributed part of the increase to greater awareness of where and how to report, while prosecutors have also said the crime is becoming more common.
The City has reported that thousands of deed theft complaints have been filed across New York City over the past decade, with the highest concentration in Brooklyn and Queens. According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, its Housing and Worker Protection Bureau had returned 23 homes to their rightful owners as of February 2026.
In some cases, a scammer forges the owner’s signature on a deed and records it with the City. Fraudsters may also create fake identification, notary stamps, or powers of attorney to make documents look legitimate. Properties owned by elderly homeowners, people who have recently died, or owners who live elsewhere can be especially vulnerable because the fraud may go unnoticed for months or years.
Other schemes target homeowners facing financial trouble. A person may offer to help stop a foreclosure or pay off tax debt, then present documents that actually transfer ownership of the home.
Some scams are presented as loans, refinancing, or “temporary” title transfers that the homeowner is told they can reverse later.
Asked to sign documents to stop a foreclosure or transfer your home temporarily? Call Poltielov Law Firm P.C. at (718) 520-0085 for a free consultation before you sign.
On April 24, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani established the City’s first Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention through Executive Order 16. Housed within the Department of Finance, the office coordinates efforts to identify suspicious property filings, support enforcement, and educate homeowners.
The office’s work does not replace monitoring your property records or getting legal advice about a suspicious transfer.
No single step can guarantee protection, but a few precautions can help you spot suspicious filings and avoid signing away rights without understanding the documents.
The NYC Department of Finance offers a free notification service that alerts registered property owners when a document is recorded against their property in the City Register.
Keep in mind that alerts come after a document is recorded, so they help you respond quickly rather than prevent a filing. Nassau County has its own separate county clerk system, so homeowners outside the five boroughs need to use that county’s resources instead.
The City’s Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) lets you search recorded deeds, mortgages, and other property documents for Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. For Staten Island properties, use the Richmond County Clerk’s records system.
Check your property periodically for deeds, mortgages, or other documents you don’t recognize, especially if you own a property you don’t live in or have inherited a home.
Never sign documents you don’t fully understand, especially when someone is pressuring you or promising to solve a financial problem. Be cautious of unsolicited offers, pressure to sign quickly, or promises to stop foreclosure in exchange for transferring ownership. Having an attorney review documents before you sign can prevent costly mistakes.
Make sure the City has your current mailing address so you receive tax bills and notices. If you have inherited a home, get legal guidance on any probate, estate administration, or recording steps needed to document ownership.
Start by pulling copies of any suspicious documents from ACRIS, including deeds, mortgages, and related filings. Save tax bills, utility records, mortgage statements, and any correspondence that shows your ownership and possession of the property. If someone contacted you about selling or signing documents, keep those messages and notes about the conversations.
Report suspected deed theft to the appropriate authorities, such as your local district attorney’s office or the New York Attorney General’s Office. Law enforcement can investigate suspected crimes, and prosecutors may be able to seek an order voiding a fraudulent deed in qualifying cases.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also need a civil action to challenge the transfer and resolve ownership disputes. A real estate litigation attorney can review your records, explain your options, and take steps to challenge the fraudulent transfer.
Poltielov Law Firm P.C. helps homeowners in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Nassau County address real estate disputes and protect their property rights. Our real estate attorneys can review recorded documents, investigate a suspicious transfer, and explain your options for challenging it. When appropriate, we can pursue court action to protect your ownership rights. We serve clients in English and Russian from our Forest Hills office.
Contact Poltielov Law Firm P.C. at (718) 520-0085 for a free consultation about your property.
