Senator Parker’s Statement On Governor Cuomo’s Announcement to Investigate Deed Theft in Brooklyn

State Senator Kevin Parker said the following after Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the New York State Department of Financial Services will launch an investigation after a report described instances of apparent deed theft targeted at Brooklyn homeowners:

“Today, I am more hopeful that we will put an end to this unconscionable white-collar crime of stealing the homes and wealth of people of color. I want to thank Senator Montgomery, and my colleagues in the Democratic Senate and Assembly Majorities for hearing the cry of Brooklyn residents and passing legislation this session to strengthen and expand the Home Equity Theft Act of 2006 to include real consumer protection measures. In the face of gentrification and the deed fraud crisis, I have always fought and advocated for stronger laws to protect homeowners and tenants across New York State, and especially in Brooklyn.

I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing the consumer protections act into state law, taking them a step further and adding teeth to the new law by directing the Department of Financial Services to dispatch workers to aid affected homeowners and those who feel that they are being deceptively preyed upon. It is critically important that we fully investigate this matter and hold individuals and companies accountable for stealing the wealth and assets of predominantly Black and Brown people.

My office is eager to work in conjunction with the Department's Foreclosure Relief Unit to support anyone who has been a victim of deceptive, fraudulent practices as it relates to the sale of their home.

 About Senator Kevin Parker:

Senator Kevin Parker represents Brooklyn’s ethnically diverse 21st Senate District comprised of sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope.  A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Senator Parker has the honor of serving his community as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, and on the Senate Standing Committees on Finance; Rules; Alcoholism & Substance Abuse; Insurance; and Banks.

For more information on Senator Parker, please visit www.nysenate.gov/senators/kevin-s-parker