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Rabb introduces bipartisan bill to tackle deed fraud

Legislation to establish new criminal offense protecting Pennsylvania homeowners

Rep. Christopher M. Rabb    May 6, 2025 | 9:58 AM

HARRISBURG, May 6 – As house theft via fraudulent deeds becomes increasingly rampant in communities across the Commonwealth, state Reps. Chris Rabb and Tim Bonner have introduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on deed fraud and protect Pennsylvania homeowners.

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

“We need to stop all attempts by thieves to steal ownership of property,” said Bonner, R-Mercer/Butler. “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.”

Rabb and Bonner said the bill would do the following:

  • Define “deed fraud” to include the intentional and fraudulent transfer of real property ownership through the use of forged, altered or falsely executed documents, or by other deceptive means.
  • Establish appropriate penalties for deed fraud, commensurate with the severity of the offense and the financial harm inflicted on victims.
  • Clarify the legal standing of victims in these cases, ensuring that they have clear pathways to pursue legal remedies and regain their property.

 House Bill 1406 has been referred to the House Housing and Community Development Committee.

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