Watch Out for Deed and Title Fraud Warns PA Association of Realtors®
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HARRISBURG, Pa., June 25, 2025 ~ As the threat of property title and deed fraud continues to grow, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® is urging property owners to take proactive measures in protecting their valuable assets. With a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors® revealing that 63% of association leaders have seen or heard of deed or title fraud in their local markets over the past year, it is clear that this issue is a cause for concern.

The survey also highlighted that deed and title fraud is particularly prevalent in the Northeast, with 92% of association leaders reporting exposure to the issue. Residential land was found to be the most targeted type of property, accounting for 52% of cases, followed by detached single-family homes at less than 20%. Shockingly, 12% of fraud attempts involved owner-occupied homes.

Bill Lublin, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® and CEO of Century 21 Advantage Gold in the Philadelphia region, emphasized the severity of this crime. "Title and deed fraud is often a silent crime, but the damage can be very real," he stated. "A fraudulent filing can put a homeowner's legal rights and their property at risk. It's critical that Pennsylvanians are informed about title and deed fraud and are empowered to protect their investment."

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Typically, title and deed fraud involves forged signatures and fraudulent documents being recorded to unlawfully transfer ownership. Unfortunately, victims may not realize they have been targeted until they receive unfamiliar tax notices or bills for mortgages they did not sign. In some cases, they may even discover someone else trying to sell or rent out their property.

To combat this issue, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® recommends several measures for property owners. These include signing up for property alert services through county recorder offices where available, monitoring all mail and public records related to their property for unexpected changes or notices, working with a Realtor® and title professional to verify ownership history and obtain title insurance, and reporting any suspicious filings immediately to the county recorder, a real estate attorney, and law enforcement.

Lublin also highlighted the role of Realtors® in identifying and preventing fraudulent activity. "Realtors® are often the first line of defense in identifying suspicious activity," he said. "By raising awareness and offering guidance, we aim to help homeowners stay in control and safeguard their homes and their real estate transactions."

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The survey also revealed that nearly 30% of areas without current anti-scam policies are actively developing preventative strategies, often in collaboration with local Realtor® associations, land and title agent organizations, and deed recorders. One solution favored by survey respondents is an electronic notification system for property owners.

For consumers considering buying or selling a home in Pennsylvania, they can search for a Realtor® in their area at parealtors.org/find-a-realtor. Additionally, they can stay informed about the latest developments in the home buying process at parealtors.org/whats-new.

The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® is a trade/professional association that serves more than 38,000 members across the state. With their efforts to raise awareness about title and deed fraud and provide guidance on how to protect against it, they are working towards ensuring that homeowners can feel secure in their investments.
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