The bill S. 822 aims to address real estate fraud in South Carolina by introducing a new section, 27-7-80, to the South Carolina Code of Laws. This section defines key terms related to real estate fraud, including "Fraud," "Deed Theft," and "Real Estate Instrument." It establishes "Deed Theft" as a felony, which involves the unlawful transfer of a property's title or deed. The bill outlines specific unlawful actions, such as altering or forging real estate instruments, possessing or using such instruments with knowledge of their fraudulent nature, and making materially false statements in the filing of real estate documents.

Individuals found guilty of violating these provisions will face felony charges and could be sentenced to imprisonment for up to five years. The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate Committee on Judiciary and will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/15/2026: 27-7-80
Latest Version: 27-7-80