The Department of Records serves as the Recorder of Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia. The department’s duties include recording all land title documents (for example, deeds and mortgages) in the City of Philadelphia, and collecting local and state real estate transfer taxes and recording fees.

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 legal owner of the property.

If you suspect you are a victim of deed or mortgage fraud, you should take action immediately. Below are resources to assist you. You can also report suspected deed or mortgage fraud to the Department of Records.