Lee County Residents Face Consequences for Deed Fraud

Deed fraud is on the rise in Lee County, and local law enforcement has warned residents of this issue. If you have been accused of deed fraud or any other type of fraud in Lee County, you should take your legal defense very seriously. Why are so many people being accused of this crime, and how can you defend yourself effectively? Can a fraud defense attorney help?

Lee County Clerk Warns Homeowners of Rising Deed Fraud 

In April of 2025, Fox News reported that deed fraud was on the rise in Lee County. This surge in white-collar crime has caused one government official to warn homeowners to take effective action. The Lee County Clerk says that all property owners should register for a special “property fraud alert system” that could help them detect and prevent future deed fraud.

Recently, a man was found guilty of first-degree grand theft and trespassing. This case stems from an incident in 2023, and the defendant will be sentenced soon in Lee County. Officials also say that a man attempted to file a fraudulent deed last month in Lee County, and this led to the suspect’s arrest.

What Is Deed Fraud in Lee County? 

An individual commits deed fraud in Lee County when they attempt to obtain the deed to someone else’s home. They generally do this by creating fraudulent documents and filing them with the courts. In effect, this means that they now “own” the house, and they can take all kinds of additional steps usually reserved for legal homeowners.

Is Deed Fraud a Federal Offense?

 As with most crimes, deed fraud can become a federal offense if it “crosses” state lines. For example, if someone from a different state attempts deed fraud in Florida, this may constitute a federal offense.

A defendant might also face federal charges if they obtain a deed to someone else’s home before attempting to sell the property to an out-of-state buyer. They might also attempt to take out a loan against the home with a creditor in another state.

Note that penalties for federal fraud offenses are generally more serious than fraud offenses within Florida. As we have seen, defendants may face grand theft charges in Florida for local deed fraud offenses. However, federal deed fraud could result in charges like wire fraud and mail fraud. The penalties for these federal offenses can be quite severe.

Can a Fraud Defense Attorney in Lee County Help? 

A criminal defense attorney in Fort Myers and Naples may be able to help if you have been accused of fraud. Deed fraud is only one example of a “white-collar crime,” and there are many others to consider. If you’re serious about defending yourself against these allegations, consider working alongside a lawyer who has direct experience with white-collar crimes. Choose The Foley & Wilson Law Firm, and schedule a consultation with us today.

Sources: 

fox4now.com/news/local-news/lee-county/just-the-idea-of-someone-filing-a-fake-deed-in-your-name-might-make-you-cringe

leeclerk.org/i-want-to/ask/frequently-asked-questions/property-fraud-alert-2