The Fall River Registry of Deeds is alerting homeowners about a deceptive mailing scheme known as the Deed Notice Scam. This scam typically targets homeowners who have recently purchased a property or had a new deed recorded.
By raising awareness about this deceptive practice, we hope to protect homeowners from unnecessary expenses and ensure they have access to their property documents without falling victim to deceptive practices.
How the Scam Works:
Private entities search public records for recently recorded deeds and use this information to create official-looking notices addressed to homeowners. These notices recommend purchasing a “Property Assessment Profile” through their company, which would include a certified copy of their deed, often for an inflated price of over $100. These organizations are frequently from out of state, but not always.
These mailings are particularly deceptive because the notices often contain accurate details, including the homeowner’s name, property information, and recent deed recording information. This can make the notices appear legitimate and create a sense of urgency to pay. The mailings look similar to legal notices or bills, but often times with fine print stating the document is not a bill and there is no obligation to pay.
The fine print may also note they are not part of the government. It would appear that the purpose behind these disclosures is to cover themselves in the event that someone is deceived by these letters into paying for services or documents that are much cheaper, or even free, through public resources. This way, these companies can claim they provided the necessary information to prevent misunderstandings, despite their misleading presentation.
How to Obtain a Copy of Your Deed:
At the Fall River Registry of Deeds, we want to assure homeowners they have easy and affordable access to their property documents. Certified copies of your deed are available in person for only $1 per page or $1 per page plus an additional $1 for postage if requested by mail. Non-certified copies of deeds can be viewed for free or purchased for $1 per page through our website.
Protecting Yourself:
With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to identify and avoid the “record deed notice” scam. Remember, you should never send money or respond to solicitations offering to provide copies of your deed for an inflated price. Our website offers free access to non-certified copies, and certified copies are available from our office for a nominal fee.
If you are unsure about a solicitation, contact our staff at 508-673-2910 or email us at admin@fallriverdeeds.org. We’ll be happy to help you determine its legitimacy. If we are unable to assist, we recommend reaching out to your real estate agent or attorney for further guidance.
Bernard J. McDonald III
Fall River District Register of Deeds