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Council Member Sandy Nurse introduces bill to combat deed fraud
1:05:38
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88 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse introduces Intro 1294, a bill aimed at publicly exposing individuals who commit deed fraud in New York City. The legislation seeks to deter and punish those who exploit vulnerable homeowners, particularly targeting elderly and financially stressed individuals.
- The bill proposes to publish names, faces, and identifying information of deed fraud perpetrators.
- Since 2014, over 3,000 deed fraud complaints have been reported, with the actual number likely being higher.
- The council has previously invested in estate planning, foreclosure prevention, and legal services for older adults, but Nurse argues more action is needed.
Sandy Nurse
1:05:38
Today I'm introducing intro twelve ninety four, a bill that names and shames deed thieves.
1:05:44
When it comes to crime, we are quick to post photos of people who steal diapers and baby formula from Rite Aid.
1:05:51
But when it comes to the parasites who commit deed fraud and destabilize entire neighborhoods, they often escape public scrutiny.
1:05:59
Since 2014, there have been over 3,000 deed fraud complaints, and those are just the cases we know about with the number likely being much higher.
1:06:08
These thieves prey on older adults, particularly black elders, people falling behind on their property or water taxes, and families facing foreclosure.
1:06:18
They exploit moments of financial stress and vulnerability to rob people of the American dream.
1:06:25
They are white collar thugs enriching themselves at the expense of those who are most vulnerable.
1:06:31
This bill would send a warning that we will catch you, we will shame you, and we will make sure every New Yorker sees your name, your face, and your identifying information.
1:06:40
We will expose we will expose these criminals who go on to often re offend and who are helped by being able to hide behind LLCs and a veil of secrecy.
1:06:50
While the council has invested in estate planning and foreclosure prevention and legal services for older adults, more must be done.
1:06:58
I thank council member Chiyose and Brooklyn Borough president Antonio Reynoso for co priming this bill, and I urge you all to sign onto it.
1:07:05
Thank you majority leader.