Recorded Deed Notice sent to us by a client to confirm its legitimacy.

In recent months, homeowners across the country have fallen victim to a new wave of scams targeting property owners. One of the latest schemes involves fraudulent “recorded deed notices” sent via mail or email, purporting to be official documents requiring immediate action.

These deceptive notices, which often have a return address of “Washington, D.C.” with a formal-looking seal or emblem, typically claim that the recipient’s ownership of their property is in jeopardy if they do not obtain an official copy of their deed.

The letter provides a “simple” and seemingly inexpensive method to correct this error and urges the homeowner to rectify the situation promptly to avoid losing their property. The scammers include an “easy” solution by simply sending in money to “correct” the supposed issue, which may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

However, these notices are nothing more than a ruse designed to trick homeowners into handing over their hard-earned money. In reality, property deeds are public records maintained by local government offices, and there is usually no need for homeowners to pay a third party to update or correct them.

There is also no need for you to have a certified copy of the deed.

When we handle a client’s real estate closing, we provide a copy of the deed to the client once it has been recorded on the land records. Your local Town Clerk’s office will always have your deed available and can print it out for you for $1.00 per page.

All that being said, we also tell clients that if they lose that deed or it gets destroyed, there is no need to panic. The official document is securely recorded on the land records.

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To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Verify the Source: Before taking any action in response to a recorded deed notice, verify its legitimacy. Contact your town clerk’s office or a trusted real estate professional to confirm whether the notice is genuine. Ask for specific details about the alleged issue with your deed and cross-reference them with official records.
Don’t Rush: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making hasty decisions. Take the time to research and investigate any claims made in the notice before taking any action. Legitimate notices regarding property deeds typically provide ample time for homeowners to address any issues.
Never Pay Upfront: Be wary of any requests for upfront payment or personal information. Legitimate government agencies typically do not request payment over the phone or via email for services related to property deeds. If you’re asked to pay for a service, ask for detailed information about what you’re paying for and seek alternative options for obtaining the same service.
Verify Contact Information: Check the contact information provided in the notice for accuracy and legitimacy. Scammers often use generic or untraceable contact details to evade detection. Look up the phone number or email address independently to ensure it belongs to a legitimate organization.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a recorded deed notice that you suspect may be fraudulent, report it to your local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately. By reporting these scams, you can help prevent others from becoming victims and assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

Remember, staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting yourself from scams targeting homeowners. If something seems too good to be true or raises red flags, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

By taking proactive steps to verify the legitimacy of recorded deed notices and remaining vigilant against fraudulent schemes, you can safeguard your property and financial well-being.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice and is for general informational purposes only.