The Department of Records manages deeds, mortgages, and other land title documents in Philadelphia.
If you own a property and experience deed or mortgage fraud, file a report with the department using their online form. You don’t have to go to City Hall to make a report.
Types of property fraud
Property fraud is a less common but very serious form of tangled title. It generally takes the form of deed fraud or mortgage fraud.
Deed fraud occurs when a person sells a home pretending to be the owner without the permission of the legal owner. The legal owner’s name is removed from the deed without the legal owner’s knowledge or informed consent.
Mortgage fraud occurs when someone signs a mortgage against a property that they do not own to borrow money against the property. The mortgage transactions are completed without the knowledge or informed consent of the property owner.
Check out the Department of Records FAQs to learn more about tangled title and property fraud.
How to file a report
You can report deed or mortgage fraud online. The Department of Records will receive your completed form.