Title fraud, or deed theft, is when someone illegally transfers the title or deed of a property without the owner’s knowledge. Fraudsters often use forged documents or fake IDs to:
- record documents with the county recorder, transferring the property to themselves, or
- falsely represent themselves as the owner to list and sell a property.
The National Association of REALTORS® conducted the 2025 Deed & Title Fraud Survey to measure the nationwide occurrence of these scams and collect feedback on policy solutions, with input from advocacy professionals in REALTOR® associations from 43 states and territories and Washington, D.C. Please note that sample sizes are small, so these figures should be regarded as guiding points.
Sixty-three percent of respondents reported awareness of such fraud in their markets within the past 12 months, with the Northeast experiencing the highest prevalence at 92%. These scams are more common in central cities and suburban areas, frequently involving vacant land rather than owner-occupied properties. Only 12% of cases involved owner-occupied homes, with the majority (52%) concerning residential land and fewer than 20% involving detached single-family houses.
Efforts to combat title fraud and deed theft are in place in 76% of respondents' areas, predominantly at the state level through internal REALTOR® association policies and state legislation. Current policies focus on prevention (52%), with some addressing both prevention and mitigation (39%). Legislative measures and general policies are the most common efforts, along with educational resources and fraud alert systems.
Among areas without existing anti-scam policies, nearly 30% are working to develop preventative measures, often in partnership with local REALTOR® associations, land and title agent groups, and deed recorders. The most effective perceived solution is an electronic notification system for property owners, supported by 83% of respondents.
The findings underscore the prevalence of these scams and emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent and address title fraud and deed theft, ensuring the protection of property owners in America.