Philadelphia announces new regulation to help protect homeowners from deed fraud

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The City of Philadelphia is making sure homeowners are protected from deed fraud.

Mayor Cherelle Parker announced a new automated vital-status verification system.

It will help notify officials when a thief is trying to steal a home that's still in the name of a deceased person.

Any newly signed deed will instantly be submitted to the department of records and will be flagged if the homeowner has died.