Bed-Stuy woman claims she's a victim of deed theft, facing eviction from 'new homeowner'
The 54-year-old told News 12 that the brownstone had been paid off and had been in her family for 60 years.
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A Bed-Stuy woman says she’s a victim of deed theft, and someone claiming to be the new homeowner tried to evict her this week.
“He rang the doorbell,” said Carmella Charrington. “He said, ‘I’m here to evict you.”
The 54-year-old told News 12 that the brownstone had been paid off and had been in her family for 60 years.
Charrington said this was the latest chapter in an ongoing court battle to fight a conservatorship that tried to sell the home behind her family's back.
“I showed police the documents and then they left [my house],” said Charrington.
A group known as The People’s Coalition to Stop Deed showed up at the house on Thursday to show support and call for stronger action to stop deed theft.
The coalition said scammers target hundreds of vulnerable homeowners through a variety of schemes.
“They go pick a family member to say, ‘Hey, you’re an heir to this property. Why don’t you sign me over your portion of whatever your legal rights are to the property?” said Evangeline Byars, organizer of The People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft. “They give them money, and then next thing you know, they’re appearing at your door saying that this is their home.”
According to the New York City’s Sheriff's Office, more than 1,500 Brooklyn residents reported deed theft from 2014-2023.
A law backed by New York’s Attorney General Letitia James and other local leaders now makes deed theft a felony.
In a statement to News 12, a Brooklyn DA spokesperson wrote, “The Brooklyn DA and his leadership team recently met with members of the deed fraud coalition, listened to their concerns and assured them we will continue to vigorously address this issue. Our Real Estate Fraud Unit has secured 31 indictments since 2017, all leading to convictions, including many jail sentences, and have worked to return homes to their rightful owners whenever legally possible. This unmatched success has led to a precipitous decline in deed fraud complaints made by Brooklyn residents. We will continue to work together with homeowners and focus on this important issue by prosecuting any case in which we have evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to meet our legal requirements.”
Click here to find resources if you believe you are a victim of deed theft.
