Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention

Deed theft occurs when someone uses fraud, deception, coercion, or false documents to take ownership or control of a property without the rightful owner’s knowledge and consent.

Homeowners may be targeted through forged documents, fake sales, predatory contracts, foreclosure rescue scams, or other schemes designed to transfer or encumber a property unlawfully.

Such fraud may occur through complex financial transactions intended to obtain home title through means that seem legal.

The Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention coordinates work across City agencies and with state and local partners to:

• Educate homeowners to help prevent deed theft and conduct public outreach
• Review suspicious property filings
• Support investigations and enforcement efforts
• Help homeowners report suspected deed theft
• Conduct public education and outreach
• Promote tools that alert owners to changes in property records
• Help victims navigate property record correction and related property tax relief processes

If you believe you may be the victim of deed theft, complete the Deed Theft Prevention Intake Form for assistance from the Office of Deed Theft Prevention.

You can report an alleged deed theft to the NYPD or the Sheriff’s Office. If the theft involves burglary, violence, or the threat of violence, contact the NYPD immediately. If an eviction or notice of eviction is involved, you should contact the entity responsible for the eviction—the Sheriff’s Office or a New York City Marshal.

You may also wish to report the alleged theft to the district attorney’s office in the borough where the property is located.

You should report suspected deed theft as soon as possible. The sooner suspicious activity is identified, the sooner the City and its partners may be able to review the matter and help connect you with available resources.

Homeowners can take steps to help protect themselves from deed theft.

Stay informed:

• Sign up for property and deed alerts so you are notified of changes to your property records. If you are unable to register online, complete and mail an application ( اللغة العربية | বাঙালি | 中文 | français | kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | Polski | русский | español | اردو )
• Review property documents recorded against your home.
• Check at least once a year to make sure that no deeds or mortgages have been recorded on your property without your consent. Visit ACRIS to check properties in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. For Staten Island properties, visit the Richmond County Clerk’s website.
• Make sure that the Department of Finance has the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property.

Beware of suspicious offers:

• Speak with a trusted attorney or housing counselor before signing documents related to your home, mortgage, foreclosure, or ownership rights.
• Do not sign papers you do not understand. Visit JASA, a nonprofit agency that provides a range of services to older adults and others, for information about legal assistance.
• Be cautious if someone pressures you to sign documents quickly.
• Be wary of anyone promising to “save” your home from foreclosure in exchange for signing over ownership or control of the property.

Be prepared:

• Make a will or transfer-on-death deed to ensure that family and loved ones you designate will have undisputed ownership rights in the future.
• When a family member passes away and someone else inherits the property, make sure the person(s) who inherit the property update the deed with the new owner’s name.
• Buy title insurance when acquiring a property. It's a one-time fee that varies depending on the purchase value of your home.
• Discuss with your trusted family members or consult a lawyer before making any decisions that affect ownership of your property, such as adding or removing someone from a deed or taking out a new mortgage, reverse mortgage, or second mortgage.

Any homeowner can be targeted. Deed theft has affected homeowners across New York City, with complaints concentrated primarily in Brooklyn and Queens. Scammers have often targeted vulnerable homeowners, including seniors, immigrants, and homeowners in historically Black neighborhoods.

The Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention can help review your complaint, identify next steps, and connect you with the appropriate partners.

Depending on the facts of your case, this may include the review of recorded property documents, referral to enforcement partners or legal service providers, assistance in correcting property records, or general guidance on related property tax issues.

• Deed Theft Prevention Intake Form for assistance from the Office of Deed Theft Prevention (a paper version is also available)
• Legal assistance: Visit the Homeowner Protection Program or call 1-855-HOME-456. You can also visit JASA, a nonprofit agency that provides a range of services to older adults and others, for information about legal assistance.
• Property records (ACRIS)
• Sign up for property and deed alerts (To stop receiving alerts, choose “Delete Notification” under Notification Options.)
• Frequently asked questions about the Notice of Recorded Documents Program ( اللغة العربية | বাঙালি | 中文 | français | kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | Polski | русский | español | اردو )
• Notice of Recorded Document Program Description
• Deed theft prevention brochure

Is deed theft the same as a property tax issue?
No. Deed theft is a property ownership and fraud issue. However, deed theft can affect property records and property tax matters. The Office of Deed Theft Prevention can help homeowners navigate related DOF processes where applicable.

Can DOF undo a fraudulent deed?
Property ownership disputes and deed correction can involve legal proceedings and other agencies or courts. DOF can help review records, identify suspected fraud, and connect homeowners with appropriate resources, but not every issue can be resolved by DOF alone. DOF cannot provide you with legal advice, but can refer property owners to helpful resources.

Should I keep paying my property taxes if I suspect deed theft?
Do not ignore property tax bills or notices. Contact DOF for guidance if you believe your property records or tax bills have been affected by deed theft.

What if I already signed something?
You should still report the matter. Some deed theft schemes involve coercion, deception, or documents that were not properly explained. Keep copies of anything you signed and any communications you received.

What if I am in foreclosure?
Be especially cautious of anyone promising a quick rescue or asking you to transfer ownership of your home. Report suspicious offers and seek help from a trusted legal services provider or housing counselor before signing anything.

Should I report deed theft to the district attorney’s office?
We encourage you to report deed theft to the district attorney’s office. You should report the alleged theft to the office of the borough in which the property is located. However, you should also report any crimes, including burglary, violence, or threats of violence, to the NYPD. If an eviction or notice of eviction is involved, you should also contact the entity responsible for the eviction—the Sheriff’s Office or a New York City Marshal.