How deed theft allows criminals to steal and sell homes

Crooks are stealing homes by recording fake deeds, then selling or mortgaging the properties. This deed theft has cost victims over $1.3 billion since 2019. Fraudsters forge documents to transfer ownership, with victims often unaware until years later when attempting to sell or refinance. County recorders legally must process documents presented in proper form, without verifying identities. States are enacting laws to combat deed theft, with measures like requiring attorney preparation of deeds, enhanced identification for recording, and notification systems. Some companies offer services to prevent or mitigate such fraud.