SUBJECT: Property Deed Verification and Fraud Prevention Act
 
In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation titled the “Property Deed Verification and Fraud Prevention Act” to protect homeowners from deed fraud and unauthorized property transfers by strengthening identity verification procedures and requiring counties to implement deed fraud alert systems.

Deed fraud is a growing concern in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Bad actors have found ways to exploit procedural gaps in our property transfer process to unlawfully take ownership of homes—often targeting the elderly, deployed military members, and absentee owners. These fraudulent transfers, once recorded, can trigger financial ruin, costly legal battles, and the loss of generational property.
 
 
 
Current law requires Recorder of Deeds offices to record properly notarized documents, but it does not require independent verification of the parties involved. As a result, a fraudulent deed that appears properly executed and notarized must still be recorded—giving the false impression of a legitimate property transfer.
To address this vulnerability, my legislation will:
 

• Require that the identities of both the grantor and grantee be verified using at least two of the following three methods:
  1. In-person presentation of government-issued photo ID before the Recorder of Deeds or authorized designee;
  2. Certification by a licensed Pennsylvania attorney, title agent, or notary public accompanied by a sworn affidavit of identity;
  3. Use of a secure digital identity verification platform such as ID.me, or an equivalent platform approved by the Department of State.

 

• Prohibit the use of Remote Online Notarization (RON) for the execution of deeds transferring ownership of real property. All notarizations for deed transfers must occur in person or with verifiable identity certification.
• Require each county to establish or adopt a Deed Fraud Alert Notification System that allows property owners to register for alerts when any transaction affecting their property is recorded.
• Mandate public education efforts to ensure homeowners are aware of these protections and how to access them.

This legislation will modernize Pennsylvania’s deed recording procedures while closing off key vulnerabilities that have allowed fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting homeowners.

Please join me in Co-Sponsoring this vital piece of Legislation.

If you have any questions, please contact either my Chief of Staff, Don Beishl at dbeishl@pa.sen or my Legislative Director, Aaron Bashir at abashir@pasen.gov.