Crime
One-on-One Deed Theft Prevention Workshop at Medgar Evers College
As Officials Make Deed Theft a Crime in NYC, Complaints Rise
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso hosted a Deed Theft Prevention Workshop at Medgar Evers College last week with Brooklyn Legal Services and Grow Brooklyn to help Brooklynites protect themselves against deed fraud. Deed theft, the fraudulent acquisition of property without a homeowner’s knowledge or consent, has become a rampant issue in Central Brooklyn where there is a large concentration of elderly homeowners and homeowners of color.
Approximately 100 Brooklynites attended yesterday’s workshop which builds on Borough President Reynoso’s commitment to tackle deed theft head on – a commitment first announced at this year’s State of the Borough Address.
“Homeownership is one of the most important pathways to building and sustaining wealth. When deed theft scammers target communities like Central Brooklyn, they are trying to displace our neighbors and lock Black and brown families out of homes they’ve nourished for generations. Events like our Deed Theft Workshop give homeowners the tools they need to remain in their homes and protect themselves from this predatory practice. Knowledge is power and I’m thankful to all the partners who made this day possible,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
According to the New York State Attorney General’s office, of the 3,500 complaints of deed theft made to the New York City Sheriff’s Office since 2014, over 1,500 came from Brooklyn. Black and Brown homeowners are most at risk to be targeted for deed theft schemes for a number of reasons including residing in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods, a lack of a formal will or estate plan, and limited access to legal services.
Partnering organizations that provided resources included the Office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the New York City Department of Finance, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the New York City Department of Buildings. Workshop attendees had the opportunity to:
Learn about deed theft and estate planning to protect themselves and their homes from scammers.
Access free one-on-one consultation on deed fraud issues they’re facing.
Begin intake for support with living wills, power of attorney, and healthcare proxies.
Connect with city agencies and public resources.
New Law Expands AG James Authority to Prosecute Deed Theft
On July 19, 2024, a new law took effect making deed theft a crime, and expanding New York Attorney General Letitia James’ authority to prosecute deed theft. The legislation was co-authored by Attorney General James and sponsored by State Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assemblymember Landon C. Dais. It amended the statute of limitations to give homeowners and prosecutors more time to seek justice, in addition to granting OAG original criminal jurisdiction to prosecute deed theft. This is Attorney General James’ latest effort to protect New Yorkers from deed theft, a criminal scam that robs New York families of their homes and livelihoods.
Last year, Attorney General James championed legislation sponsored by State Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Helene Weinstein to enhance civil deed theft protections by empowering the Attorney General and local district attorneys to pause related eviction and ownership dispute proceedings and expand the list of crimes that allow prosecutors to invalidate fraudulent sale and loan documents, among other measures. That law went into effect in December 2023.
For homeowners struggling to maintain ownership of their properties, the Attorney General’s
Homeowner Protection Program provides a network of housing counselors and legal services who can give free housing counseling and legal assistance statewide. Homeowners can also contact the state attorney general’s office or call 311 to be connected with legal assistance.
New Yorkers who believe they are a victim of deed theft are encouraged to contact OAG by calling 1(800) 771-7755, emailing deedtheft@ag.ny.gov, or filing a confidential complaint.
“When the Senate held our hearing on deed theft in 2022, we heard in detail just how easy it is for scammers to prey on unsuspecting homeowners, and how difficult it can be to obtain justice,” said State Senator Myrie. “Communities like mine in Central Brooklyn are particularly vulnerable. I’m grateful for Attorney General James’ partnership in strengthening our laws to prosecute deed theft and protect New Yorkers’ homes.”
To Avoid Deed Fraud:
Make sure the New York City Department of Finance has the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property.
Register for the New York City Department of Finance’s Recorded Document Notification Program by visiting the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) so that you can receive an alert when a deed, deed-related document, mortgage, or mortgage-related document has been recorded against your property.
Check the City Register’s records periodically to ensure that no deeds or mortgages have been recorded on your property without your consent.
Contact the Department of Finance if you stop receiving property tax bills and the Department of Environmental Protection if you stop receiving water bills.
Tips from Legal
If you are behind on your mortgage or property taxes, beware of scammers asking you for money up front to get you a loan modification. There are free housing counseling agencies who provide that help, and New York law prohibits charging in advance for help with loan modifications. Many scammers will try to trick you into signing papers to transfer ownership of your property to them or others, telling you that they are going to help you save their home. Never sign any papers without seeking advice from a lawyer that you have contacted on your own. (Sometimes scammers will ask you to sign documents in the presence of someone claiming to be your own lawyer.)
For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.