Officials in Wayne County, Michigan, are raising alarms over a surge in deed theft cases, a crime where scammers forge documents to transfer property ownership illegally. Detroit City Councilwoman Latisha Johnson and the Register of Deeds’ Fraud Unit have confirmed that at least a dozen homes have already been stolen through fraudulent filings, leaving victims blindsided and forced into lengthy legal battles to reclaim their property. Despite new laws criminalizing fraudulent filings, Michigan law still requires county offices to accept deeds—even when they are fake—making it easier for fraudsters to slip forged paperwork into the system.
Since 2005, Wayne County’s Mortgage & Deed Fraud Unit has opened more than 2,300 cases, leading to hundreds of arrests and convictions. Yet the crime continues to grow, targeting vulnerable homeowners in Detroit neighborhoods and destabilizing communities. Officials warn that homeowners must remain vigilant, as scammers exploit notaries, falsify signatures, and push fraudulent property transfers that can strip families of homes and generational wealth without warning.
This story was first reported by clickondetroit.com
