Oscar Dais, Deed Forgery, NY, 2023

New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured the guilty plea of former Rockland County real estate agent Oscar Dais for orchestrating a brazen deed theft scheme that left a homeowner in foreclosure vulnerable. This conviction marks the first under the Home Equity Theft Protection Act (HETPA).

Dais, accused of forging the signature of Monique Hill on a deed to seize her Rockland County home while it was in foreclosure, pleaded guilty today in Rockland County Court. The crime exposed the homeowners’ vulnerability during such difficult times and has been a focal point for AG James’ efforts to prevent such thefts.

In 2016, Hill’s mortgage lender initiated foreclosure proceedings following default on her mortgage. In August 2021, Dais created a forged copy of Hill’s deed, using her former married name. He then falsely notarized the document and filed it with the Rockland County Clerk’s Office, transferring ownership to his company. Hill, unaware of this deceitful act, was in the Dominican Republic at the time.

Upon discovering the fraudulent deed in October 2021, Hill reported it to the Attorney General’s Office (OAG) and initiated a civil suit against Dais, which is still ongoing. The OAG has secured restitution for Hill, voiding the forged deed and restoring her ownership of the property.

The HETPA, expanded by AG James in 2023, aims to protect homeowners during foreclosures or defaults from being exploited by unscrupulous buyers. It mandates full contracts with seller cancellation rights and prevents deceitful practices. The legislation has been instrumental in safeguarding New York homeowners.

This conviction comes amidst a series of actions taken by AG James against deed theft schemes across the state. In August, Dais was charged for stealing an elderly woman’s home in Queens, and in February, another theft scheme targeting an elderly neighbor’s funds was thwarted. Last October, three real estate scammers were arrested for stealing over $250,000 from New Yorkers through deed theft. AG James has also announced legislation to strengthen protections against deed theft.