Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning Pennsylvanians about homeownership scams involving false or forged transfers of a property deed or title.<\/p>\n
These scams are known as deed fraud, or home title theft, the AG\u2019s office said in a release. While they\u2019re not common, they \u201ccan be devastating to the victims.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scammers may forge documents to record a false transfer of the deed or title to another party, the office said. This may be done with the homeowner\u2019s knowledge or consent.<\/p>\n
Once another party has the home\u2019s title or deed, they can sell the home, take out a mortgage or rent to tenants. <\/p>\n
Scammers may also trick the homeowner into signing a deed, transferring the home\u2019s ownership, with the false promise of helping to refinance a mortgage or pay overdue property taxes.<\/p>\n
The most complicated cases see scammers holding failed tax payments against the homeowner, the office said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen someone you do not know unexpectedly propositions you or attempts to solicit you about the title or deed to your home, your response should be to cease communications immediately,\u201d AG Sunday said.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvanians can take these actiont to protect themselves:<\/p>\n
Do not sign any legal documents in a rush or if you are unsure.\u00a0Consult a real estate attorney before you sign documents.\u00a0Contact your mortgage lender directly if you are a distressed homeowner.\u00a0If you are a property owner, you may want to\u00a0check if your county has an alert system available for\u00a0you to sign up to receive notifications any time there is a\u00a0deed transaction\u00a0for your property. You may also want to\u00a0routinely check your credit report and utility bills\u00a0that could also uncover title or deed fraud.<\/p>\n
If you or someone you know may have been a victim of deed fraud, you can call the AG\u2019s office Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 or click here<\/a> to file a complaint online.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n