This forthcoming bill would amend Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code to create a new criminal offense of deed fraud. This legislation is crucial to protect Pennsylvania homeowners from the increasingly prevalent and devastating crime of fraudulent property transfers.
 
Deed fraud involves the attempt or accomplishment of illegal and fraudulent transfers of property ownership, often without the homeowner's knowledge or consent. This crime can leave victims financially devastated, facing the loss of their homes and investments and incurring significant legal expenses to regain ownership.
 
Current Pennsylvania law lacks a specific criminal offense addressing this unique form of fraud, making it difficult for law enforcement to effectively prosecute perpetrators and for victims to obtain justice. 
 
Our proposed legislation:
 
--Creates a new criminal offense of “deed fraud” within Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code.
 
--Defines “deed fraud” to include the intentional and fraudulent transfer of real property ownership through the use of forged, altered, or falsely executed documents, or by other deceptive means.
 
--Establishes appropriate penalties for deed fraud, commensurate with the severity of the offense and the financial harm inflicted on victims.
 
--Clarifies the legal standing of victims in these cases, ensuring that they have clear pathways to pursue legal remedies and regain their property.
 
This legislation is necessary to:
 
--Protect Pennsylvania homeowners and unsuspecting buyersfrom the devastating financial and emotional consequences of deed fraud.
 
--Deter professional scammers from engaging in this type of fraudulent activity.
 
--Provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to investigate and prosecute deed fraud cases effectively.
 
--Ensure that the victims of deed fraud have clear legal recourse to recover their property, money, legal fees, court costs and seek justice.
 
--Modernize Pennsylvania law to address the evolving nature of real estate fraud.
 
We believe this legislation is essential to safeguard the property rights of Pennsylvania residents.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1980 (Jun 23, 2025): 18-3903(