Pennsylvania lawmakers target protections against deed fraud

Amid a growing wave of real estate thefts that involve fraudulent property transfers, a bipartisan pair of Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing for new legal protections the state’s homeowners.

Reps. Chris Rabb (D) and Tim Bonner (R) have introduced H.B. 1406 to crack down on deed fraud — a crime they say is being exploited due to the state’s lack of specific laws targeting such offenses.

“It’s pretty remarkable that in 2025 we still do not have a law to safeguard homeowners from fraudulent property transfers,” Rabb said. “Until we address this legislative oversight, victims of real estate theft will remain vulnerable and without any real avenues for justice.”

The proposed legislation would formally define deed fraud as the intentional and fraudulent transfer of real property using forged, altered or falsely executed documents — or through other deceptive practices.

Provisions would also strengthen the legal standing of those affected by fraudulent transfers, ensuring they have a defined process to challenge the theft in court and reclaim their property.

H.B. 1406 has been referred to the Pennsylvania House Housing and Community Development Committee for consideration.

High profile case in Philadelphia

Deed fraud typically involves scammers filing forged or altered property deeds to claim ownership of a home — often unbeknownst to the rightful owner.

In Philadelphia, notary public Gwendolyn Schell was recently charged for her alleged involvement in an extensive property theft operation dating back to 2017.

Prosecutors say Schell and co-conspirators orchestrated the fraudulent transfer of nearly two dozen homes by forging the signatures of both deceased individuals and unsuspecting living victims on property deeds.

“We need to stop all attempts by thieves to steal ownership of property,” Bonner said. “As we have no current legislation to specifically stop the attempted theft of real estate, this legislation will have a deterrent and punitive impact on anyone who may have such criminal intent.”

Industry support

The Pennsylvania Land Title Association told HousingWire that it supports any effort to deter deed fraud and protect homeowners, and it “looks forward to working with legislators on this important issue.”

Jon Dovidio, the chief strategy officer at EquityProtect, also voiced strong support for the legislation.

“EquityProtect applauds Pennsylvania lawmakers for taking steps to acknowledge the growing threat of deed theft,” he said. “It’s a real estate scam that has become increasingly prevalent, as detailed in a recent alert issued by the FBI. However, while defining deed theft and putting greater penalties in place is important, it is not sufficient to stop the crime from happening.”

In April, EquityProtect announced new partnerships with title companies across the country in an effort to bolster protections against deed and title fraud.