NY enacts charges against two individuals under the newly implemented property deed fraud law; safeguarding home ownership guidance
In a significant move against deed theft, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced indictments against Deepa Roy and Victor Quimis for allegedly stealing an elderly widow's home in Kew Gardens Hills, New York. This marks the first prosecution under New York's new anti-deed theft statute, which gives the Attorney General's office original jurisdiction to prosecute such cases.
The scheme began in 2022, when Roy befriended the widow under false pretenses and attempted to move into her home. In October 2024, Roy and Quimis allegedly used forged deeds and other falsified documents to take the property without payment. They obtained a mortgage using the fraudulent deed and laundered over $300,000 through the company's accounts.
The theft came to light when the victim's family received a letter from the city congratulating Quimis as the new owner. Acting quickly if fraud is suspected involves contacting the local recorder's office to verify recent filings, filing a police report, notifying the county district attorney or state attorney general, and consulting a real estate attorney immediately.
New York's new law allows criminal prosecution under multiple felonies and grants the Attorney General’s office original jurisdiction to prosecute and recover property for victims, with active outreach and victim services. The law also provides enhanced legal remedies and extends the statute of limitations for victims to challenge fraudulent deeds after discovery.
While New York and Texas are the only states with explicit laws criminalizing deed theft, other states offer varying levels of protection. For example, Florida requires clerks' offices to provide free property fraud alert systems to homeowners. Georgia has minimal ID verification requirements for filing deeds and lacks a dedicated criminal law targeting deed theft specifically.
General protections commonly found in many states include criminalization of deed theft or related fraud, enhanced legal remedies and statute of limitations, consumer and elder protections, preventive measures, and public record monitoring systems. However, the exact protections depend on local statutes dealing with forgery, fraud, elder abuse, and property rights.
Homeowners can check their local recorder or register of deeds website for online access to property records. Title and identity protection services offered by title insurance companies and private firms can track filings involving a property. Keeping personal information private, such as Social Security number, birth date, and financial details, can reduce the risk of identity theft.
Signing up for a property fraud alert system can help homeowners in many jurisdictions, including Florida, parts of Georgia, and counties in other states. Keeping contact information current with local recorders' offices and tax assessors ensures official notices reach homeowners promptly. Reviewing all correspondence from mortgage companies, tax assessors, or utilities for unexpected changes in ownership or billing name can help detect property fraud.
For accurate information on protections in a specific state beyond New York and Texas, one must review that state’s elder protection laws, property and real estate fraud laws, and available legal remedies. Consulting local legal resources or Attorneys General offices is recommended for specific state laws and protections tailored to elderly homeowners against deed theft.
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