1-1 Consultations and Prevention Resources Provided in Central Brooklyn Where Deed Theft Scams Target and Dispossess Black Homeowners
Over 1,500 Complaints of Deed Theft Reported in Brooklyn Since 2014
BROOKLYN, NY – Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso hosted a Deed Theft Prevention Workshop at Medgar Evers College yesterday with Brooklyn Legal Services and Grow Brooklyn to help Brooklynites protect themselves against deed fraud. Deed theft, the fraudulent acquisition of property without a homeowner’s knowledge or consent, has become a rampant issue in Central Brooklyn where there is a large concentration of elderly homeowners and homeowners of color. Approximately 100 Brooklynites attended yesterday’s workshop which builds on Borough President Reynoso’s commitment to tackle deed theft head on – a commitment first announced at this year’s State of the Borough Address.
“Homeownership is one of the most important pathways to building and sustaining wealth. When deed theft scammers target communities like Central Brooklyn, they are trying to displace our neighbors and lock Black and brown families out of homes they’ve nourished for generations. Events like our Deed Theft Workshop give homeowners the tools they need to remain in their homes and protect themselves from this predatory practice. Knowledge is power and I’m thankful to all the partners who made this day possible,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
According to the New York State Attorney General’s office, of the 3,500 complaints of deed theft made to the New York City Sheriff’s Office since 2014, over 1,500 came from Brooklyn. Black and Brown homeowners are most at risk to be targeted for deed theft schemes for a number of reasons including residing in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods, a lack of a formal will or estate plan, and limited access to legal services.
Partnering organizations that provided resources included the Office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the New York City Department of Finance, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and the New York City Department of Buildings. Workshop attendees had the opportunity to:
- Learn about deed theft and estate planning to protect themselves and their homes from scammers.
- Access free one-on-one consultations on deed fraud issues they’re facing.
- Begin intake for support with living wills, power of attorney, and healthcare proxies.
- Connect with city agencies and public resources.
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