A mailing from a Washington D.C. -based research company prompted county officials to issue a warning against paying too much for a service the county already provides.
County Register Willie Flood, County Executive Tom DeGise and County Division of Consumer Affairs Director Tyrone Chess warned residents not to be taken in by a letter being circulated around the county over the last few weeks, offering to help residents get a certified copy of their property deed.
The problem is one of the companies – National Deed Service, Inc. – is offering to supply property owners with “deed acquisition services” at a cost of $79.50.
Flood, however, said the county can provide a certified deed for as little as $5 if picked up in person, or $10 if requested by mail.
DeGise said one of the employees in the County Clerk’s office had received one of these offers and brought the matter to Flood’s attention.
One company has barraged county residents with solicitation letters over the last few weeks, resulting in the county receiving more than 150 complaints.
The letter said that federal authorities “recommend that property owners should have a certified copy of their deed,” then gives a toll free number to call the company.
“We agree that residents should have a certified copy of their deed,” said DeGise. “But we don’t believe that residents should pay $80 to get it from this company when they can come to us and get it for a fraction of the cost.”
While DeGise said no law is being broken, and that what the company is doing is legal, he said residents should be warned that the county provides the same service.
“There’s not much reason to pay for a service that the government already offers much more inexpensively,” said DeGise. “We hope that message will get out to the public.”
“Property owners should understand that copies of their deeds are available at a very low charge and can be mailed to them if they do not wish to come to the courthouse in person,” said Flood. “I strongly urge them to use the service our office provides without an expensive private intermediary.”
Linda Choffo, a staff member of the County Clerk’s office, said she had received one of these letters and had taken it back to her office to check it out.
“I thought we offered this service,” she said.
Some people called the county to complain because they thought the offer was some sort of identity theft scheme. County officials said the company does provide a legitimate service, but at a rate much higher than the county does.
County officials, however, said residents should call any time they feel something is wrong with an offer.
“Anyone who wants to check out whether a company like this is necessary or if they believe they have received any kind of questionable solicitation should contact our office immediately,” said Chess.