SC S0822

Creates the new felony offense of "deed theft" (also called "title fraud") defined as unlawfully transferring a property owner's title or deed to oneself or another party

Prohibits altering, forging, or counterfeiting real estate instruments including deeds, mortgages, liens, maps, plats, and tax property notices

Makes it illegal to possess or use real estate instruments knowing they have been altered, forged, or counterfeited

Prohibits using false names or addresses, making materially false statements, failing to disclose security interests, or concealing material facts when filing real estate instruments

Establishes a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment for conviction of deed theft