Deed fraud is ‘growing crime wave’: What to know

Two Metro Detroit women, Zina Thomas and Jontae Jackson, were convicted of stealing approximately 100 Detroit properties worth $6.4 million by using fraudulent deeds, with Thomas exploiting her role at a housing nonprofit and Jackson as a county treasurer’s office employee. Deed fraud, which involves forging property ownership documents, is a growing crime targeting vulnerable homeowners, often leaving victims unaware until eviction proceedings begin. Authorities urge property owners to enroll in county alert programs to protect themselves, as recovering stolen homes can be costly.