New online system helps residents protect their homes and report fraud faster

Philadelphia residents can now report deed fraud and mortgage fraud online. The City’s Department of Records just launched a new digital system that makes reporting much easier than before.

In the past, people had to print out a form, fill it out by hand, and mail it or bring it to City Hall. Now they can fill out the report online from home, work, or anywhere with internet access. This change reflects the city’s commitment to creating more convenient government services.

What is deed fraud?

Deed fraud is when someone pretends to own your house and tries to sell it without your permission. Mortgage fraud is when someone takes out a loan against your property without your permission. Both crimes can cause families to lose their homes and hurt neighborhoods.

How the new system helps

The new online system makes things better for residents:

  • Available 24/7 – You can report fraud anytime from any computer, tablet, or phone with internet. No need to take time off work or travel to City Hall.
  • Faster response – Our team gets alerted right away instead of waiting for mail, meaning we can help you sooner.
  • Easy to use – The online form asks questions step by step, helping you give us all the information we need.
  • Helps everyone – This especially helps older residents, people who have trouble getting around, and working families who couldn’t visit City Hall during business hours.

Protecting Philadelphia homes

Fighting deed fraud helps preserve existing homeownership in Philadelphia. Quick reporting and investigation help keep families in their rightful homes.

The system especially protects vulnerable residents who are often targets of deed fraud schemes.

Modernizing city services

This online system shows the city’s commitment to updating services to better serve residents. Rather than forcing people to adapt to outdated processes, the city is adapting to meet residents’ needs.

What stays the same

Even with online reporting, we still provide the same good service:

  • Filing a report is still free
  • Our staff still meets with people in person for complicated cases
  • We still help people get copies of deeds and mortgages
  • We still offer our free Fraud Guard account to watch for problems

We also still recommend that victims:

  • Report the fraud to police
  • Tell the District Attorney’s Office
  • Tell the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office
  • Get help from a real estate lawyer

How to use the new system

To report deed fraud or mortgage fraud online, go here. It takes about 10-15 minutes to fill out.

If you want to meet someone in person, you can still visit our office in City Hall, Room 154. Call (215) 686-2290 or email records.info@phila.gov.

Looking ahead

This new online system is part of our work to improve and modernize city services. We’re creating a government truly serves all Philadelphians.

When residents can easily access services to protect their homes and preserve home ownership, the entire community benefits.

 

Visit the Department of Records page here.