In a decided victory for protections against real estate fraud, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the conviction of former Rockland County real estate agent, Oscar Dais, for deed theft. According to the official press release from the Attorney General's Office, Dais pled guilty to forgery and violation of the Home Equity Theft Protection Act (HETPA), marking the first such conviction under the act. HETPA has been instrumental in shielding New Yorkers from being exploited during the distressing process of selling their homes under foreclosure.
Monique Hill, whose signature Dais forged to illicitly transfer ownership of her property to a company he owned, became an unknowing victim while she was abroad. "Oscar Dais took advantage of a homeowner who was dealing with a foreclosure and stole her property without her knowledge," said Attorney General James in a statement obtained by The NYC Attorney General's Office. The conviction means that Hill will receive restitution, and the fraudulent deed will be annulled, restoring her rightful ownership.
The deceit came to light when Hill reported the fraudulent deed to the Office of the Attorney General in October 2021. Subsequently, Dais’s admittance to his crimes has led to a pending civil suit against him. The expansion of HETPA in 2023, spearheaded by Attorney General James, underscores the state's commitment to combating deed theft and protecting vulnerable homeowners, especially those with active utility liens on their properties.
This case forms part of a larger effort by Attorney General James to root out real estate scams across New York. Notable instances include the August charges against individuals for swindling the home of an elderly woman in Queens, and the arrests announced by James and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark for a scheme defrauding New Yorkers of over $250,000. The actions of the Attorney General's office send a clear message: deed theft will not be tolerated. New Yorkers who believe they are victims of such fraud are encouraged to reach out to the OAG for assistance and recourse.
The OAG’s team effort in bringing justice in this case is noteworthy, encompassing contributions from detectives, auditors, and legal professionals. Those in need of reporting deed theft can contact the OAG at 1(800) 771-7755, email [email protected], or file a confidential complaint. Their continued vigilance promises a safer, more just real estate environment for the citizens of New York.
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