Deed fraud can cause vulnerable Detroiters to lose their homes – here’s why it’s hard to catch the thieves

Deed fraud victim Kim Page sits on her front steps in Detroit on June 12, 2026. Nic Antaya/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

Buying her first home on Detroit’s far east side in 2021 was the moment when a lifelong dream finally came within reach for Kim Page.

“I accomplished something that I always wanted to do,” said Page, who grew up in the city. “I always wanted to buy my own home since I was like 18. I never wanted to rent from anyone.”