Did you get a notice in the mail about your property? Here’s what to know

Notice in the mail about your property? Here's what to know By BCP Staff Say you get a letter that seems to come from a bank. It says it's related to your property, has the words "FINAL NOTICE," printed on the letter, and has what looks like a refund check attached.  Your first thought is that you're getting money. But then you notice there's no signature, and the small print says it isn't a check. The mailer says to "Call IMMEDIATELY". But what happens if you call? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/notice-mail-about-your-property-heres-what-know?utm_source=govdelivery      Did you get a notice in the mail about your property? Here’s what to know

Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service

As home transactions pick up speed as spring continues and in light of recent publicity from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) Boston Division relating to quit claim deed fraud, or “deed theft,” Norfolk County Register of Deeds, William P. O’Donnell, today, reminds residents about the Registry's Consumer Notification Program.

The F.B.I. Boston division has reported that from 2019 through 2023, 58,141 victims nationwide reported $1.3 billion in losses relating to real estate fraud. In the Boston Division alone, 2,301 victims reported losing more than $61.5 million during the same period.

 

Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service

Deed theft can take different forms. The most common type of fraud preys on people who are in danger of losing their property through foreclosure. The owners are told that they qualify for a "short sale," a process where the foreclosing lender settles for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, and that if they sign the deed over to a third party, they can avoid the foreclosure. The owner signs a deed over to the third-party scammer, not realizing they are still responsible for the debt, and the scammer, rather than negotiating the short sale, collects and keeps the rental payments until the lender eventually forecloses.

Another type of deed theft targets elderly people who sign over their property without realizing what they are doing. This is often done by a family member. Deed theft is a serious crime that can result in the loss of one's home and equity. Homeowners should be aware of these scams and talk to a lawyer before signing any papers that have to do with their property.

A growing concern is forgery, where a scammer fakes a homeowner’s signature on a deed and records it in the registry of deeds. A forged deed is not valid and conveys nothing. If a buyer or a lender rely on a forged deed and don’t do their due diligence on a property’s title, they are out of luck. They, not the legitimate property owner, will ultimately lose any money paid to the thief. Forgery is a felony in all fifty states, punishable by jail time and heavy fines. The court may also require restitution for damages caused by the forgery, such as the costs of clearing the title.

F.B.I. Boston is working with property owners, realtors, county registers, title companies, and insurance companies to thwart the fraud schemes. Read the full article from the FBI Boston Division regarding quit claim deed fraud here: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston/news/fbi-boston-warns-quit-claim-deed-fraud-is-on-the-rise-

Commenting on the issue, Register O’Donnell stated, "Our mission at the Registry of Deeds is the safety and security of all property records. We recognize that there are unscrupulous individuals who may try to take advantage of the property rights of others. In 2015, we at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds initiated a Consumer Notification Service, a free service whereby subscribers sign up to be notified when any document is recorded under their name. This initiative came about in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) indicating property and mortgage fraud was one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in America."

Companies now offer paid subscription services that will check public records and let a property owner know if a deed has been recorded that changes who owns their property. It is not title insurance. At the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds one can sign up for notification if a document is recorded in one’s name at the Registry.

Information on "Consumer Notification" can be found on the Registry website, www.norfolkdeeds.org under the heading "Services". The Registry Customer Service Department can assist anyone who would like to set up the notification for their property.

Register O’Donnell concluded, "I want to reiterate that our free notification service, like the paid services, does not protect against fraud but will at least alert the owner if a fraudulent deed has been recorded. This way the homeowner can take steps right away to combat the fraud. Also, Owners should always be aware of what they are signing when it comes to any document that may affect the title to their real estate and should scrutinize any company that promises to alleviate debt if you sign over a deed to them. In Massachusetts, a deed should always be signed in front of a notary public. Massachusetts notaries are obligated to request identification from the party signing the deed."

If you have any questions about the notification service, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Our trained staff is more than willing to answer any questions you may have.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

New Franklin Website Notifications - How to set them up for your email

Greetings,

The Town of Franklin is excited to announce that our new website has launched! 

You are receiving this email because you have previously signed up for Town of Franklin email notifications on our former website.

To sign up to continue to receive notifications from the Town, please visit the Town website at https://www.franklinma.gov and click the "Notify Me" button on the left side of the page. 

For your convenience, here is a direct link to the Notify Me page.

New Franklin Website Notifications - How to set them up for your email

You must create an account before selecting desired notifications. 

Once you have validated your email address you will be able to log in and select the specific types of notifications you would like to receive.  We also encourage everyone to check back occasionally to see if new categories have been added, as we expect to build out more options over time.

Thank you!

(Note: if the browser window is not wide enough, the Notify Me button will be found as you scroll down the page)

On a mobile device (phone or tablet) the layout and position of the Notify Me is also dependent upon the screen size.

On a mobile device - phone in this case

Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and in light of recent publicity relating to "deed theft," Norfolk County Register of Deeds, William P. O'Donnell, today, reminds residents about the Registry's Consumer Notification Program.

 

Deed theft can take different forms. The most common type of fraud preys on people who are in danger of losing their property, usually rental property, through foreclosure. The owners are told that they qualify for a "short sale," a process where the foreclosing lender settles for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, and that if they sign the deed over to a third party, they can avoid the foreclosure. The owner signs a deed over to the third-party scammer, not realizing they are still responsible for the debt, and the scammer, rather than negotiating the short sale, collects and keeps the rental payments until the lender eventually forecloses. Variations of this scam have involved the principal residences of unsuspecting consumers.

 

Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service

Another type of deed theft targets elderly people who sign over their property without realizing what they are doing. This type of transfer has also been done by a family member or other individual trusted by the elderly home owner. Deed theft is a serious crime that can result in the loss of one's home and equity. Homeowners should be aware of these scams and talk to a lawyer before signing any papers that have to do with their property.

 

Less common is forgery, where a scammer fakes a homeowner's signature on a deed and records it in the registry of deeds. A forged deed is not valid and conveys nothing. If a buyer or a lender rely on a forged deed and don't do their due diligence on a property's title, they are out of luck. They, not the legitimate property owner, will ultimately lose any money paid to the thief. Forgery is a felony in all fifty states, punishable by jail time and heavy fines. The court may also require restitution for damages caused by the forgery, such as the costs of clearing the title.

 

Companies now offer paid subscription services that will check public records and let a property owner know if a deed has been recorded that changes who owns their property. It is not title insurance, and most of the time, if a fraud has happened, it won't offer any extra services.

 

Commenting on the issue, Register O'Donnell stated, "Our mission at the Registry of Deeds is the safety and security of all property records. We recognize that there are unscrupulous individuals who may try to take advantage of the property rights of others. In 2015, we at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds initiated a Consumer Notification Service, a free service whereby subscribers sign up to be notified when any document is recorded under their name. This initiative came about in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) indicating property and mortgage fraud was one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in America."

 

Information on "Consumer Notification" can be found on the Registry website, www.norfolkdeeds.org under the heading "Services". Since 2015 more than 2,100 Norfolk County residents have signed up for the Consumer Notification Service. The Registry Customer Service Department can assist anyone who would like to set up the notification for their property.

 

Register O'Donnell concluded, "I want to reiterate that our free notification service, like the paid services, does not protect against fraud but will at least alert the owner if a fraudulent deed has been recorded. This way the homeowner can take steps right away to combat the fraud. Also, Owners should always be aware of what they are signing when it comes to any document that may affect the title to their real estate and should scrutinize any company that promises to alleviate debt if you sign over a deed to them. In Massachusetts, a deed should always be signed in front of a notary public. Massachusetts notaries are obligated to request identification from the party signing the deed."

 

If you have any questions about the notification service, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Our trained staff is more than willing to answer any questions you may have.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Voices of Franklin: Lack of notifications for removal of previously posted agenda items

Dear Mr. Rondeau and Planning Board Members,

 

I am writing to you on behalf of the residents that live on Summer Street as well as Birch Street, Woodchester Road, Florence Street, Summer Heights, Squibnocket Road, Shawkemo Path, and Penny Lane to express our deep concern regarding the recent agenda change concerning Autumn Hill. It has come to our attention that Autumn Hill was initially scheduled for discussion during the planning board meeting on Monday, May 20th. However, we were dismayed to learn that their development proposal was unexpectedly removed from the agenda on Thursday, May 16th, at 1:16 pm per Amy Love, the Town Planner. This is the second time this has occurred.

 

As concerned residents, we understand the importance of public participation in zoning decisions, particularly those that directly impact our neighborhoods and community. Therefore, we seek clarification on the policies and procedures for adding agenda items and subsequently canceling them, as well as the protocols for notifying residents within the town, specifically within the neighborhoods affected by proposed developments.

 

It is crucial that residents are provided with ample time to prepare and make arrangements to attend meetings on behalf of their neighborhood. By removing Autumn Hill from the agenda with such short notice, many residents were deprived of the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide valuable input on a matter that significantly affects all of the residents on Summer Street and the side streets as well as the other residents of Franklin.

 

We kindly request information regarding the planning board's policies and procedures for adding and canceling agenda items, as well as the methods used to notify residents within the town, especially those residing in the neighborhoods affected by proposed developments. Transparency and inclusivity are fundamental principles of good governance, and it is essential that all residents have the opportunity to participate in discussions that impact the future of our community.

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sally Winters & the Summer Street Residents

Editorial note: In my role, watching and reporting on Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, and as many of the associated subcommittee meetings as I can, the removal or change of an agenda once posted does not result in a new notification to subscribers. As the Town and School prepare for migration to new webpages, hopefully that is a feature that can be added. It is needed. 

Steve Sherlock

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Lack of notifications for removal of previously posted agenda items

Reminder: NationalGrid outage reporting helps

There are a number of power outages around Franklin as of the result of the storm Sunday/Monday. Trees were a common cause.

Outage map as of 12/18/23 approx. 9:30 PM

There was considerable improvement overnight as the status this AM shows 12/19 - 7 AM

It is good to log into your NationalGrid account and report the outage for your location. That sets you up for individual updates and notifications on the outage specifically for your location. 

Reminder on estimated time to restore

Link to outage map (The map updates every 5 minutes) https://outagemap.ma.nationalgridus.com/?_gl=1*1dbqlj0*_ga*MTczNjU2ODI0My4xNzAyOTM4MzQy*_ga_FH50R0D4B4*MTcwMjk1MTk3Ni4zLjEuMTcwMjk1MzY5OS42MC4wLjA.

Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service

As home transactions pick up speed as spring continues and in light of recent publicity relating to “deed theft,” Norfolk County Register of Deeds, William P. O’Donnell, today, reminds residents about the Registry's Consumer Notification Program 

 

Deed theft can take different forms. The most common type of fraud preys on people who are in danger of losing their property, usually rental property, through foreclosure. The owners are told that they qualify for a "short sale," a process where the foreclosing lender settles for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, and that if they sign the deed over to a third party, they can avoid the foreclosure. The owner signs a deed over to the third-party scammer, not realizing they are still responsible for the debt, and the scammer, rather than negotiating the short sale, collects and keeps the rental payments until the lender eventually forecloses.

 

Another type of deed theft targets elderly people who sign over their property without realizing what they are doing. This is often done by a family member. Deed theft is a serious crime that can result in the loss of one's home and equity. Homeowners should be aware of these scams and talk to a lawyer before signing any papers that have to do with their property.

 

Less common is forgery, where a scammer fakes a homeowner’s signature on a deed and records it in the registry of deeds. A forged deed is not valid and conveys nothing. If a buyer or a lender rely on a forged deed and don’t do their due diligence on a property’s title, they are out of luck. They, not the legitimate property owner, will ultimately lose any money paid to the thief. Forgery is a felony in all fifty states, punishable by jail time and heavy fines. The court may also require restitution for damages caused by the forgery, such as the costs of clearing the title.

 

Companies now offer paid subscription services that will check public records and let a property owner know if a deed has been recorded that changes who owns their property. It is not title insurance, and most of the time, if a fraud has happened, it won't offer any extra services.

 

Commenting on the issue, Register O’Donnell stated, "Our mission at the Registry of Deeds is the safety and security of all property records. We recognize that there are unscrupulous individuals who may try to take advantage of the property rights of others. In 2015, we at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds initiated a Consumer Notification Service, a free service whereby subscribers sign up to be notified when any document is recorded under their name. This initiative came about in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) indicating property and mortgage fraud was one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in America."

 

Information on "Consumer Notification" can be found on the Registry website,   www.norfolkdeeds.org  under the heading "Services". The Registry Customer Service Department can assist anyone who would like to set up the notification for their property.

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, "I want to reiterate that our free notification service, like the paid services, does not protect against fraud but will at least alert the owner if a fraudulent deed has been recorded. This way the homeowner can take steps right away to combat the fraud. Also, Owners should always be aware of what they are signing when it comes to any document that may affect the title to their real estate and should scrutinize any company that promises to alleviate debt if you sign over a deed to them. In Massachusetts, a deed should always be signed in front of a notary public. Massachusetts notaries are obligated to request identification from the party signing the deed."

 

If you have any questions about the notification service, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Our trained staff is more than willing to answer any questions you may have.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service

 

Are you subscribed to Town of Franklin alerts and notifications? It is easy to set up

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the Town's Regroup public safety notification system! 

Visit the link to subscribe and become aware ->   https://franklintown.regroup.com/login

Public Safety alerts are used when there is some emergency situation to bring awareness to the community of part of it. The alerts are geographically targeted so a street, or your neighborhood, or the whole Town can get an alert for something happening nearby. Accidents that close roads, or a response to a fire, or street flooding are the most common uses for these type of alerts.

You create an account for your address and sign up for notification via one or more methods; phone call, text, or email. You can choose to receive the alert in more than one way. Once the account is created, you can change the method, or add an alert to the notifications.

For example, the Health Dept now uses this service for a weekly alert on a health topic. I choose to receive these via email. The public safety alerts I choose to receive via text.

Note: signing up for these alerts is separate from signing up for the newsletter or meeting notifications. Email notifications for meeting agendas can be set up here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CnFMltdutfX/

Are you subscribed to Town of Franklin alerts and notifications? It is easy to set up

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - National Influenza Vaccination Week

It is National Influenza Vaccination Week. 

With flu cases on the rise stay protected and get vaccinated! 

To learn more visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Visit this topic here: https://franklintown.regroup.com/networks/franklintown/groups/health-department/topics/weekly-wellness-update-2022120708294

--------------

Sign up for notifications from the Health Dept ->   https://franklintown.regroup.com/network/franklintown/preferences/profile

If you already have an account, go to "Groups" and add "Health Dept"

Franklin Health Department: Wellness Update - National Influenza Vaccination Week

DRINKING WATER NOTICE - November 23, 2022

Attention Water Customers - Please see the public notice below: 

This is NOT a boil water notice.  During routine sampling, the sample from our Well 2 Raw (UNTREATED) water contained E.coli.  The treated (disinfected) water from Well 2 and all other samples collected through the distribution system did not have E. Coli.  The well has been offline since November 18, 2022 for maintenance and will remain offline. 

This is not an emergency, you do NOT need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time, but we are required to notify you. Please see the notice below for more information. 

----------------------

DRINKING WATER NOTICE To all users of the Franklin Water Department  Located in Franklin, Massachusetts.  This is an important notice – please translate it for anyone who does not understand English.  

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to ensure the safety of the water supply. On November 21, 2022 our water system was notified that a water sample collected on November 15, 2022 from Well #2 tested positive for E.coli, which is a fecal indicator. Fecal indicators are used to detect ground water sources that may be susceptible to fecal contamination which may contain harmful viruses or bacteria. This well was taken off-line for maintenance on November 18, 2022.

The water delivered to your taps through the distribution system is disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli. It is important to note that samples collected on November 15, 2022 in the distribution system did NOT detect any fecal contaminants.

This source is one of thirteen active wells that supplies drinking water to our system. In accordance with the federal Ground Water Rule (GWR) requirements, we are notifying you of the situation and conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary.

What should you do? What does this mean?

This is NOT an emergency, you do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time.

• The USEPA requires us to provide you with this notice and the following information on fecal indicators: "Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems." These symptoms can also be caused by issues unrelated to drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, or, if you have specific health concerns, you may want to discuss such concerns with your doctor. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline
• Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and Businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

What is being done?

The well will remain offline for further evaluation. Our system is undergoing repeat testing and evaluation to determine if the current level of treatment is adequate or if additional corrective actions are necessary to reduce the risk of potential fecal contamination in our drinking water supply. We are in contact with MassDEP during this process who will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken and determine if any further action is required. If necessary, you will be notified again if you need to take any corrective actions. This notice does not affect persons using private drinking water wells.

where all the wells are located in Franklin

For more information and further updates, please contact Douglas Martin, Water & Sewer Superintendent, at 508-520-4910.

PWSID#:2101000 Date Distributed: November 23, 2022

Read more

Where is Well 2?  The map as part of the Consumer Confidence Report for Fiscal Year 2021 shows where all the wells are located. ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/franklin_ma_ccr_2022_web_final_052722_0.pdf

Listen to the 3-part podcast series on the water cycle, hear how it is processed from the well to your faucet.   -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley

Town of Franklin, MA: You can now set up to receive Health Department Alerts

"The Health Dept. has created a push notification system for residents interested in  public health updates info such as COVID-19,  updates from @MassDPH, vector borne diseases, wellness information and more. 

Sign up here under the Health Department Group: https://t.co/GIksgJuuA2"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1490825453879193601

When I logged in, it took me to my profile page. I verified the phone and email accounts I wanted to be used for the notifications. On the left menu, select "Groups" - and "Join" the Health Dept group.

After joining, the notification looks like this for my profile

You can now set up to receive Health Department Alerts

Town of Franklin: MBTA proposed fare changes for 2022

Since Franklin is an @MBTA community, we wanted to share some information regarding the MBTA's proposed fare changes for 2022. 

For more information about the changes, and how you can provide feedback, please visit the MBTA website at  https://t.co/156LcjvLL8 or ->   https://www.mbta.com/fares/2022-proposed-fare-changes.

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/C2fyp2mfkm

Town of Franklin: MBTA proposed fare changes for 2022

Franklin Residents: Attention Water Customers

Attention Water Customers

Attention Water Customers - Please see the public notice below.  This is NOT a boil water notice.  

During routine sampling, the sample from our Well 2A Raw (UNTREATED) water contained e.coli.  The treated (disinfected) water from Well 2A and all other samples collected through the distribution system did not have E. Coli.  

The well has been offline since we heard of the sample result and will be resampled and evaluated before being brought back online. 

This is not an emergency, you do NOT need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time, but we are required to notify you. Please see the notice below for more information.  

Drinking Water Notice 07/14/21
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/franklin-2101000-tier_1-_gwr_non-boil_template_well_off-line-2021-07-15.pdf 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/attention-water-customers

Franklin Residents: Attention Water Customers

FYI - Zoom update that users will notice

Recorded and livestreamed meetings

"In the latest product update, users will be notified when a meeting they are in is being recorded or livestreamed, along with information about who can see and share the recording and livestream. The user can consent to stay in the meeting or to leave the meeting if they wish.

In addition, users joining a recorded meeting in progress will have their audio and video automatically muted until they click “continue” in the dialog box. These notices will be displayed to all guests joining a meeting or livestream outside the account’s organization, regardless of the account owner’s settings."

There are additional updates but from a user joining a Town meeting, this is the most common. For the full listing visit the Zoom page  https://blog.zoom.us/zoom-expands-in-product-privacy-notifications/

 

Recorded and livestreamed meetings

 

Good Deeds: Notice Of Real Estate Fraud

By: William P. O'Donnell

"At the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds there have been a number of modernization initiatives implemented.  One such initiative has been the free on-line Consumer Notification Service offered by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds to property owners in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County.  The purpose of the Consumer Notification Service is to help protect Norfolk County property and home owners against the negative consequences of property fraud.

The Consumer Notification Service is available through the Registry website http://www.norfolkdeeds.org.  The purpose of this Consumer Notification Service is to proactively give as much information to the consumer in a timely manner.  The Registry of Deeds deals with the biggest asset most of us have, which is our home.  The Consumer Notification Service is a way to make sure that if someone is perpetrating a fraud on the title of your home that you get notice of that fraud.  Any owner of real estate property in the twenty-eight communities that make up Norfolk County can sign up for the Consumer Notification Service free of charge.  Go to the Registry's website, click Services and click on the Consumer Notification Service page, there is a "Sign Up For Alerts" button.

Why should a homeowner consider signing up for this program?  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) reports that property and mortgage fraud is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes in America.  Multiple jurisdictions across the country have reported individuals recording fraudulent documents and making it appear that they own another person's home or property.  Once this is done the unscrupulous criminal may try to use the property as an asset to secure money.

I can vouch for the Consumer Notification Service at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds not as the person tasked with the responsibility of overseeing this real estate operation but as someone who has signed up for this service.  The system sends an email alert out to me if there is some document recorded in my name.  Once I receive a notice I can go on the Registry website to view the document in question.  My dad who climbed utility poles for the Boston Edison for 38 years would remind me that some folks may not be great on the computer.  In that case after receiving your email notification you can call the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at 1-781-461-6101 to follow up and get some guidance.  I have gotten email notices of deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges and other land documents.  Luckily these notices have involved other William O'Donnells and did not involve my home.   You may consider an email notification a small inconvenience when you weigh the consequences of a fraud on your house or condominium.  There may be a time that when I get one of these notifications and it will show a fraudulent deed involving my home or a fraudulent mortgage on my property.  The fraud has not been prevented but the Consumer Notification Service will be a way to get notified and get on the problem right away.  On the Registry website we have Law Enforcement Contact Information.

I mention this free Consumer Notification Service for Norfolk County property owners as a number of homeowners have recently contacted me about a private corporation that will provide its "basic protection service" which monitors your title and notifies you of problems, of course for a fee.  Some folks may see free as better and decide to sign up for the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Consumer Notification Service.  Under Massachusetts law a forged signature does not convey ownership so the forged deed would be void as would any mortgage that was put on as a result of the fraudulent deed.  The real risk is not that you will lose your property, it is that you will be saddled with the hassle and cost of proving to everyone that you did not execute the forged deed.  There would be time costs as well as monetary costs involving law enforcement as well as attorneys to represent you in making sure the fraud is proved.  The Consumer Notification Service of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds would be a prompt way to be informed of a fraud against your home and then immediately take the necessary steps to protect the biggest asset most of us have, our home, and fight the fraud. 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org."

Good Deeds: Notice Of Real Estate Fraud