New York City has established a new office dedicated to combating deed theft, a form of fraud in which criminals illegally transfer ownership of properties from legitimate owners to themselves.

The office was created by Mamdani, according to city officials, as part of efforts to address what has become an increasingly problematic issue for property owners in the city.

Deed theft typically involves fraudsters filing false documents with city records to claim ownership of properties they do not legally own. The practice often targets vulnerable homeowners, including elderly residents or those facing financial difficulties.

The new office will focus on investigating cases of fraudulent property transfers and working to prosecute those responsible for the illegal activity. Officials aim to both prevent future incidents and assist victims in recovering their stolen properties.

Property deed fraud has been a growing concern in major metropolitan areas, where valuable real estate makes homes attractive targets for criminals seeking to profit from illegal ownership transfers.