Harran, McPhillips applaud PA House passage of deed fraud legislation
DOYLESTOWN, PA (June 25, 2025) – Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran and Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Dan McPhillips commend the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for its passage of House Bill 1406, landmark legislation designed to combat title and deed fraud. The bill, which creates a new criminal offense for deed fraud and provides enhanced remedies for victims, passed the House on June 24 in bipartisan fashion.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, especially our local Bucks County representatives, for their bipartisan support in passing House Bill 1406,” said Sheriff Harran. “This legislation is a critical step forward in protecting our residents from the insidious crime of title and deed fraud. Property is often a family’s most valuable asset, and the thought of someone fraudulently taking it is horrifying. This bill gives law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools to pursue these criminals and hold them accountable.”
The newly passed bill – cosponsored by Rep. Joe Hogan (PA-142) – defines specific actions that constitute “title or deed fraud,” making such offenses a felony of the second degree. It also significantly upgrades the grading of theft offenses when they involve real property titles or deeds, regardless of the property’s value.
Recorder of Deeds Dan McPhillips highlighted the victim-centric aspects of the bill.
“This legislation not only makes it easier to prosecute those who commit deed fraud, but it also provides crucial civil remedies for victims,” Recorder McPhillips stated. “For too long, victims have faced an uphill battle to reclaim their property and recover losses after falling prey to these schemes. The provision allowing property owners to recover actual damages or $5,000 (whichever is greater), along with attorney fees and costs, is a game-changer. It ensures that those impacted by this devastating crime have a clearer path to justice and recovery.”
Both Sheriff Harran and Recorder McPhillips have been vocal advocates for stronger protections against deed fraud, recognizing its growing threat to homeowners across the Commonwealth. Even before the passage of this vital legislation, the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office has been proactive in providing resources to help residents protect their property from fraudulent activities, including offering a FREE Record Alert system which notifies you automatically whenever a document, such as a deed or mortgage, is recorded in in the Recorder of Deeds office under the specific names you register. This provides immediate notification of activity, allowing residents to quickly verify legitimate transactions or identify potentially fraudulent filings.
“The passage of HB 1406 sends a clear message: Pennsylvania will not tolerate deed fraud,” added Harran. “We urge the Senate to swiftly pass this vital bill and send it to the Governor’s desk so we can provide our citizens with the protection they deserve.”
“This is a victory for homeowners throughout Pennsylvania,” said McPhillips. “We look forward to seeing this bill become law and working with our partners in law enforcement to ensure its effective implementation.”
