New legislation to protect New Yorkers from deed theft

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to protect New Yorkers from deed theft. That’s when the deed or title to a home is stolen without the homeowner’s knowledge.

Scammers use the tactic to take ownership of properties.

The legislation will empower the attorney general and local district attorneys to better address the crime, the governor said.

“It’s an injustice and one that must be eliminated. The idea that someone could steal your wealth all with the stroke of a pen. It’s unconscionable and we’ll no longer stand for it,” Hochul said.

New Yorkers are encouraged to report deed theft to the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-771-7755.