East End Family Eviction Paused: Deed Fraud Alleged

New York Attorney General Steps In to Halt East Hampton Eviction Amid Deed Fraud Allegations

the New York Attorney General’s Office intervened to prevent the eviction of an East Hampton family, who claim they were victims of deed fraud. The Amon family faced a surprise eviction from their home, despite having purchased it and possessing a deed.

A Family’s Fight Against Eviction

A Suffolk County Supreme Court judge heard arguments Thursday regarding the Attorney General’s Office’s motion to temporarily halt the Amon family’s eviction. Juan Amon stated that the eviction came as a shock, as they believed they legally owned the home.

“By The Time We Realized Something Was Wrong, it Was Too Late,” Said Amon. “this Home Is The Culmination Of Our Life’s Work In This Country.”

The Alleged Deed Fraud Scheme

Oscar Michelen, The Amon’s Attorney, Claims The Family Was A Victim Of A Deed Fraud Scheme Orchestrated By Michael O’Sullivan, An East End property investor. According To Michelen, The Family Obtained A Mortgage And A Deed From O’Sullivan’s alleged Business, hampton Dream Properties, In 2020. They Made A Down Payment Of Over $300,000 On The $800,000 Home, Unaware That The Property Was Facing Foreclosure.

“[O’Sullivan] Is Selling The Home To A Property That They Know These People Are Not Going To Own Because The Bank Is Going To Own It,” Said Michelen.

Michelen Further Claims That O’Sullivan provided The Family With A Deed But Retained The Title, Never Intending To Transfer Ownership. Later, O’Sullivan Allegedly Repurchased The Home From The Bank After Foreclosure Through Another Company, mastic Advancement properties.

“That Is Essentially The Fraud,” He Said. “selling The House Back To The Person For More Money, Where Now They’re stuck Because the Foreclosure Bank Is Going To Throw Them Out Or They Get Evicted.”

attorney General Investigates

during Thursday’s Court Hearing, An Attorney From The Attorney General’s Office Announced An Ongoing Inquiry Into O’Sullivan And His Business Practices.

ivan Young, O’Sullivan’s Attorney, Denied The Allegations. “He Did Not Commit Any Fraud. He Did Everything He Did To Benefit Other People,” He Said.”There was No Sale.” However, Suffolk County Public Records Indicate That the family Did Have A Deed Issued To them For The Property.

Nonprofit Highlights Widespread Issue of deed fraud

Ola Of Eastern Long Island,A Nonprofit Organization,Reports That Numerous Latino families Have Experienced Similar Issues Over The Past decade.

“Mountains Of Victims That Have come Forward And more That Are Coming Forward,” Said Minerva Perez, Ola’s Executive Director.”Two New People Have Come Forward To Us Last Night.”

Seeking Justice

Amon Expressed His hope For A Resolution That Secures His Family’s Home. “I Hope This Can be Resolved And That They Can See We’re Within Reason As We’re The Victims In This,” Amon Stated.

Michelen Confirmed That The Family Can Remain In Their Home While The Suffolk County Judge Considers The Attorney General’s Motion.

Disclaimer: Quotes from amon have been translated from Spanish.

Understanding Deed Fraud

Deed fraud is a serious crime that can result in notable financial and emotional distress for homeowners. It typically involves illegally transferring the title of a property without the owner’s knowledge or consent. This fraudulent activity can take various forms, including forged signatures, identity theft, and deceptive sales practices.

To protect yourself from deed fraud, it’s essential to regularly monitor your property records, be cautious of unsolicited offers, and seek legal advice when dealing with complex real estate transactions.

Protecting Yourself from Deed Fraud

Pro Tip: Regularly check your property records with the county clerk’s office. Many counties now offer online access,making it easier than ever to monitor your deed for any unauthorized changes.

Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your property:

• Monitor Your Credit: Keep an eye on your credit report for any suspicious activity that might indicate identity theft, a common precursor to deed fraud.
• Secure Important documents: Store your property-related documents,such as deeds,mortgage statements,and insurance policies,in a secure location.
• Beware of Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers to buy your property, especially if they seem too good to be true. Always verify the identity and credentials of potential buyers.
• Consult with Professionals: Work with reputable real estate agents, attorneys, and title companies when buying, selling, or refinancing property.

Resources for Homeowners

Several organizations and government agencies offer resources to help homeowners protect themselves from deed fraud:

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Provides details on housing scams and fraud prevention. HUD website
• Your Local County Recorder’s Office: Offers access to property records and may have fraud alert systems.
• Nonprofit Legal Aid Organizations: Provide free or low-cost legal assistance to homeowners facing housing issues.

Deed Fraud vs. Mortgage Fraud: Key Differences

Feature	Deed Fraud	Mortgage Fraud
Target	Property Ownership	Mortgage Lending Process
Method	Forging or Illegally Transferring deeds	Providing False Information to Obtain a Mortgage
Victim	Homeowner	Lender, Insurer
Outcome	Loss of Property Ownership	Financial Loss for Lender, Foreclosure

Frequently Asked Questions about Deed Fraud

• What Is Deed Fraud? Deed fraud involves the illegal transfer of property ownership through forged or falsified documents, without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent.
• How Can I Prevent Deed Fraud On my Property? To prevent deed fraud, regularly monitor your property records, secure important documents, be cautious of unsolicited offers, and consult with real estate professionals.
• What Should I Do if I Suspect I am A Victim Of deed Fraud? If you suspect deed fraud, immediately contact the local law enforcement, your county recorder’s office, and a real estate attorney to explore your legal options.
• What Are The Common signs Of A Deed fraud Scheme? Common signs of deed fraud include unfamiliar liens or mortgages on your property, unexpected notices about property transfers, and sudden changes in your credit report related to your home.
• Is Deed Fraud A Common Problem In East hampton? Reports suggest that deed fraud is an emerging issue in areas like east Hampton,with nonprofits reporting multiple similar cases over the past decade.
• Who Can I Contact For Help If I’m A Victim Of Deed Fraud? You can contact local law enforcement, your county recorder’s office, a real estate attorney, and nonprofit legal aid organizations for assistance if you’re a victim of deed fraud.

Reader Engagement

Have you or someone you know been affected by deed fraud? What steps do you think should be taken to prevent such scams?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Given the Ramirez family’s situation, what steps could a homeowner in a similar situation take to proactively protect their property title from fraudulent transfer?

East End Eviction Paused: Deed Fraud Alleged

The Case: A Family facing Displacement

A planned eviction in the East End of Long Island has been put on hold following claims of deed fraud. The Ramirez family, residents of a home in Riverhead for over 20 years, received an eviction notice from a new property owner who presented a recently filed deed. However, the family alleges they never sold the property and suspect their property title was illegally transferred. This case highlights the growing concern of real estate fraud and the vulnerability of homeowners to title theft.

What is Deed Fraud and How Does it Happen?

Deed fraud, also known as title fraud, occurs when someone illegally transfers ownership of a property without the owner’s knowledge or consent. Common methods include:

• Forged Deeds: Creating a fake deed with the homeowner’s signature.
• Impersonation: A perpetrator posing as the homeowner to sign the deed.
• Predatory Lending Schemes: Exploiting vulnerable homeowners through deceptive loan practices.
• Exploiting Loopholes: Utilizing weaknesses in the recording process.

The Ramirez family’s lawyer believes a sophisticated scheme is at play, possibly involving falsified documents and a rushed property transfer. The Suffolk county Police Department is currently investigating the matter.

Homeowner Rights in New York State

New York State offers several protections for homeowners facing potential eviction or foreclosure. Understanding your rights is crucial. Key protections include:

• Right to Due Process: Landlords must follow legal procedures for eviction, including proper notice.
• Rent Regulation (where applicable): Rent control or stabilization laws may limit rent increases and eviction grounds.
• Home Equity Theft Prevention: Laws designed to protect homeowners from predatory lending and foreclosure scams.
• Legal Representation: Homeowners have the right to hire an attorney to represent them in eviction or foreclosure proceedings.

resources like Legal Aid Society and Nassau Suffolk Law Services provide free or low-cost legal assistance to eligible residents. Seeking legal counsel immediately is vital if you suspect deed theft or are facing an unexpected eviction.

Preventing Property Scams: A Proactive Approach

Protecting your real estate investment requires vigilance. Here are steps you can take to prevent property fraud:

1. Regular Title Monitoring: Sign up for title monitoring services that alert you to any changes in your property records.
2. Review Property Tax Bills: Ensure the bill is accurate and reflects your ownership.
3. Secure Importent Documents: Keep your deed and other vital documents in a safe and secure location.
4. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Exercise caution with unsolicited offers to buy or refinance your property.
5. Verify Identities: Always verify the identity of anyone requesting information about your property.

Suffolk County Clerk’s Office offers a Property Fraud Alert System, a free service that sends email notifications of any document recorded with your name or property address.

Understanding Title Insurance

Title insurance protects homeowners and lenders against financial loss from defects in a property’s title. This includes issues like forged deeds, undisclosed heirs, and liens. While it’s typically purchased during a home purchase, obtaining an owner’s policy can provide ongoing protection against title claims.

Resources and Legal Assistance

Here’s a table of helpful resources for homeowners in New York:

Institution	Contact Information	Services
Legal Aid Society	1-800-553-8230	Free legal assistance for low-income residents.
Nassau Suffolk law Services	[phone]	Civil legal services, including housing issues.
Suffolk County Clerk’s Office	[phone]	Property records, fraud alert system.
New York State Attorney General	1-800-771-7755	Consumer protection,inquiry of fraud.

Real-World Example: The Johnson Case (2022)

in 2022, a similar case occurred in Queens, New York, where the Johnson family discovered their home had been fraudulently transferred to a shell company. They were able to reclaim their property after a lengthy legal battle, but the experience highlighted the importance of proactive title monitoring. The perpetrator was eventually convicted of grand larceny and forgery. this case served as a wake-up call for many homeowners in the region.

Impact of Deed Fraud on the east End Housing Market

The Ramirez case, and others like it, are raising concerns about the security of property ownership on the East End. The area’s high property values and desirability make it a potential target for real estate scams.Increased awareness and preventative measures are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the local housing market.