Greg's Corner

Homeowner battles eviction after decades-old scam

By Greg Collier

For over fifty years, a 90-year-old man has called a Brooklyn, New York, brownstone his home. It’s a place rich with memories, where he raised his three children and imagined spending his final days. But instead of enjoying a peaceful retirement, he finds himself in a bitter legal struggle to remain in his beloved home. The root of his troubles is a scam that has left him facing imminent eviction and his name missing from the deed of the house he’s cherished for decades.

The house, which he purchased in 1969 for just $20,000, now stands as a prized asset in a neighborhood transformed by gentrification. Its current value is close to $3 million, a testament to the dramatic changes in Brooklyn since he first moved in.

Fraud of this nature is alarmingly common in rapidly changing neighborhoods, especially in certain areas of Brooklyn and Queens, where many people have been victims of deed theft or real estate fraud.

The scam that ensnared this victim is a complex web of deceit, with its intricacy adding to the deception’s success. In 2006, needing funds for renovations, he was duped into signing over his home’s deed to a con artist with a criminal history. A deed was returned to him, appearing legitimate with a notarized signature from a crooked attorney, yet it was never officially recorded.

Unbeknownst to the victim, the con man leveraged his home to secure a $700,000 line of credit, eventually leading to foreclosure and a $2 million sale by the bank. He remained in the dark about these proceedings for nearly a decade, only discovering the betrayal when the foreclosure was complete.

To protect yourself from such scams, it’s crucial to be cautious when dealing with property-related transactions. Always verify the credentials of anyone asking you to sign over property documents, and consult a trusted legal professional before making any agreements. Regularly check public property records to ensure your property’s deed is correctly recorded in your name, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. By staying vigilant and informed, you can safeguard your home and financial future against fraud.