The letter lists the property owner’s name, address, parcel number, amount of sale as well as other public information regarding the property. This type of scam has circulated a few times in the last several years and has started circulating again. The letter states that the Local Records Office can provide a copy of your deed (the documents that identifies you as the property owner) for $83. It indicates that you must act quickly and respond by a certain date.
The property owner’s deed is kept on file at the Register of Deeds Office in the county in which the property is located. If you need a copy, all you have to do is contact them or you can usually locate your deed online and print it for free. If you need a certified copy, it only costs a few dollars.
Most individuals pay attention to mailings that appear to have been sent by a government agency, so several variations of this scam is used on an ongoing basis. Please don’t pay an unnecessary and enormous fee for something that you can obtain from your local Register of Deeds Office at little or no cost. Over the years, the Attorney General’s Office has received several complaints regarding these types of scams and has alerted consumers and businesses about them.
The Lincoln County Register of Deeds Office is located at 105A East Court Square, Lincolnton, N.C. and the phone number is 704-736-8530. You can also visit the website, www.lincolncounty.org/rod , to search real estate records.
Click here for an example of the fraudulent letter: Deed Scam Letter