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Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam
Continuing his efforts to combat consumer fraud, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today expressed his ongoing frustration regarding Norfolk County residents receiving direct-mail solicitations offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an outrageous fee of anywhere from $59.50-$83.00. Providing a certified copy of property deeds is a service provided by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for a charge of only $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 for postage in the case of a request received by mail. Average Registry fee for providing a certified copy of a deed is usually $2.00.
A recent example cited by O'Donnell was a deed solicitation received by a Weymouth resident from a private company in California. The solicitation was labeled Recorded Deed Notice and requested the homeowner forward a check to them in the amount of $83.00 for a copy of the homeowner's deed. In this case, the Weymouth resident would have been charged $3.00 by the Registry for providing a mailed copy of the deed, $2.00 if the resident had picked it up at the Registry.
Register O'Donnell stated, "While the practice may be legal, it's certainly not ethical. These direct-mail companies are preying upon the innocent assumptions of Norfolk County residents, many of them first-time homeowners. Consumers are interpreting these notices as a bill, since they have a due date. I urge Norfolk County citizens not to fall prey to these types of misleading deed scam advertisements."
If you receive such a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry's Customer Service Department immediately at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Additionally, if you desire a copy of your deed, also contact the Registry's Customer Service Department and we will be glad to provide you with one for a nominal fee of usually $2.00.
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com @NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.
Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
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