Philadelphia Deed Fraud Reports Near Last Year's Total With Months Left in 2026

Reports of deed fraud in Philadelphia are climbing quickly. According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the city has received 152 deed fraud reports so far in 2026. That is nearly the same as the 159 reports filed during all of 2025.

A family fights to get a home back

The NBC10 story follows a woman who is working to reclaim her brother's home. The property was transferred without her knowledge. Her effort shows how difficult it can be to undo a fraudulent transfer once it has been recorded.

The report also explains how property theft happens and what homeowners can do to protect themselves and report the crime.

Why this matters

Deed fraud happens when someone transfers ownership of a property without the real owner's knowledge or consent. Because a home is usually a family's largest asset, a fraudulent transfer can lead to a long, stressful effort to prove who the rightful owner is. Owners of homes that are vacant, inherited, or owned by someone who is ill or away may be less likely to notice a problem quickly, so family members may want to keep an eye on those properties too.

The jump in reports does not mean every homeowner will be targeted. But it is a good reminder that checking on your property records takes only a few minutes and may help you catch a problem early.

What you can do

• Check your property records. Look up your address on your county recorder's or recorder of deeds' website every so often to confirm that the owner of record is correct.
• Sign up for alerts. If your county offers a property fraud alert or notification service, enroll.
• Watch your mail. Unexpected letters about your mortgage, taxes, or the property itself, or a sudden stop in expected mail, can be a warning sign.
• Look after family properties. If you manage a relative's home or an inherited property, check its records as well.
• Act quickly if something looks wrong. Contact your county office that handles property records and local law enforcement, and consider speaking with a real estate attorney about next steps.
• Keep documents safe. Store your deed, mortgage papers, and closing documents securely, and be cautious about sharing them.

Source: NBC10 Philadelphia