HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® has issued a strong warning to property owners across the state concerning the rise of title and deed fraud, a growing threat to homeowners and their most valuable assets. The organization is urging Pennsylvanians to take proactive steps to protect their homes and properties.
A 2025 National Association of Realtors® survey reveals troubling statistics, with 63% of Realtor® association leaders reporting incidents of deed or title fraud in their markets over the past year. The issue is most pronounced in the Northeast, where 92% of leaders have encountered cases. Among the affected properties, 52% involved residential land, while less than 20% involved detached single-family homes. Alarmingly, 12% of reported attempts targeted owner-occupied homes.
“Title and deed fraud is often a silent crime, but the damage can be very real,” said Bill Lublin, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® and CEO of Century 21 Advantage Gold in Philadelphia. “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.”
This type of fraud typically involves forged signatures or fraudulent documents filed with local authorities to unlawfully transfer property ownership. Victims often remain unaware until they receive unfamiliar tax bills, notices for mortgages they did not authorize, or discover efforts to sell or rent out their property.
To guard against this threat, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® recommends these preventative measures for property owners:
- Enroll in property alert services offered by county recorder of deeds offices where available.
- Regularly monitor mail and public records for unexpected notices or ownership changes.
- Work with Realtors® and title professionals to verify ownership records and secure title insurance.
- Report suspected fraud immediately to the county recorder, real estate attorneys, and law enforcement.
“Realtors® are often the first line of defense in identifying suspicious activity,” added Lublin. “By raising awareness and offering guidance, we aim to help homeowners stay in control and safeguard their homes and their real estate transactions.”
Efforts to combat title and deed fraud are gaining momentum, with nearly 30% of regions without existing anti-scam protocols actively developing preventative strategies. Electronic notification systems, favored by many local leaders, are among the proposed tools to help homeowners stay informed of any changes to their property records.
This growing issue highlights the importance of vigilance and professional support to protect property owners and their investments from the significant risks posed by fraudulent activity.
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