Title fraud, including home title theft and deed fraud, has been a significant issue in New Jersey, with several documented cases and ongoing concerns.
- Vacant Land and Home Title Fraud on the Rise
The FBI has reported that vacant land fraud is occurring at an alarming rate in New Jersey. In these schemes, fraudsters impersonate property owners—often of vacant lots or rental homes—and use forged documents to sell the property without the real owner’s knowledge. Victims may discover the fraud only after seeing a for-sale sign, construction activity, or being notified by local authorities or realtors. The FBI Newark office is actively working with realtors, title companies, and property owners to combat these crimes, but the scams continue to evolve, targeting abandoned and rental properties as well. - Atlantic City Fake Deed Scheme
In 2023, two men in Atlantic County were sentenced after pleading guilty to producing fake deeds for at least 20 properties in Atlantic City. They filed these fraudulent deeds with the county clerk, transferring ownership—sometimes for as little as one dollar—from the rightful owners (including the city government) to companies they controlled. The scammers then marketed and sold these properties to out-of-state investors, defrauding them of over $580,000. Most of the properties were not for sale, and the defendants had no legal authority to sell them. - Title Agent Mortgage Fraud Case
A former title agent in Warren County admitted to participating in a multi-million-dollar mortgage fraud scheme. She obtained seven fraudulent loans totaling more than $3.7 million on properties in Wood-Ridge and Belvidere, New Jersey. The scheme involved falsifying loan documents, failing to pay off prior mortgages, and not recording deeds or mortgages, ultimately leading to defaults and significant financial losses. - Warnings and Preventive Measures
Mercer County officials have issued warnings about home title scams, noting that fraudsters often target seniors, people with second homes, or identity theft victims. The county offers a free Property Alert Service to notify owners if documents affecting their property are recorded, helping residents detect fraudulent activity early. However, officials stress that this service only alerts owners and cannot prevent fraud from occurring. Victims are encouraged to contact authorities and the county’s property fraud hotline if they suspect they have been targeted.
Summary Table: Notable Title Fraud Cases in New Jersey
| Case/Type | Description | Location | Outcome/Impact |
| Vacant Land Fraud | Fraudsters impersonate owners, sell vacant land without consent | Statewide | Ongoing, FBI involved |
| Atlantic City Fake Deed Scheme | Fake deeds for city/private properties, sold to investors | Atlantic City | $580,000+ stolen, convictions4 |
| Title Agent Mortgage Fraud | Title agent falsified documents for loans on properties | Wood-Ridge, Belvidere | $3.7 million fraud, guilty plea2 |
| County Warnings/Alerts | Property Alert Service for early detection, especially for vulnerable owners | Mercer County | Preventive, not foolproof5 |
New Jersey continues to see various forms of title fraud, from sophisticated impersonation and document forgery schemes to large-scale investor scams. Property owners are urged to remain vigilant, monitor their property records, and report suspicious activity promptly.