The Sheriff's Office accepts reports of deed fraud.

After reporting to the Sheriff, you should request a copy of the fraudulent document from the City Register's Office and report the crime to the district attorney in the borough where the property is located. You may also want to consult an attorney to confirm your ownership of the property.

Online

Report deed fraud.

Phone

The best way to prevent fraud is to register for the Notice of Recorded Document Program, which notifies you when a document related to your property is recorded.

You should also make sure to:

• Confirm that the Department of Finance has the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property
• Check ACRIS, the City Register’s records online system, regularly
• Check unoccupied property often to make sure it’s not being occupied illegally
• Ask someone you trust to look after your house and collect your mail if you’re going to be away for a long period of time
• Contact the Department of Finance if you suddenly stop receiving notices about your property

The Notice of Recorded Document Program helps combat real estate fraud and limit its harm by notifying property owners whenever a deed, mortgage, or related document for their property is recorded.

You can sign up to get email, text, or mail notifications. If you receive a notification and suspect fraud, you should contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately.

It’s free to register, but text message rates may apply, so you should check with your cell phone provider.

You can register for the program if you are a:

• Property owner or the owner's agent (child, spouse, or domestic partner of owner if a designee)
• Managing agent
• Property owner's attorney
• Lien holder
• Executor or administrator of the estate of the owner or lien holder

Learn More

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

Sign Up

You can register online for email and text message notifications. To receive letter notifications, you must make your request by mail.

Email and Text

Sign up for the Notice of Recorded Document Program.

Mail

To receive notifications by mail, you must complete and mail an application.

Mail to:

NYC Department of Finance
Division of Land Records, Office of the City Register
66 John Street, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Attn: Notice of Recorded Document

Download the Notice of Recorded Document Application.