Attorney General Mark R. Herring warned Virginia property owners Thursday to be cautious of companies offering to sell them a copy of the deed to their home.
Homeowners throughout the state have been receiving official looking letters, often titled as a “Deed Processing Notice,” that offer to sell them a copy of their deed for $83.
The letters include language that may result in the homeowner believing he or she must comply by a specific date.
“Even though these letters look like official notices, they are actually solicitations and should be treated as such,” Herring said in a statement.
“Most home and property owners will receive a copy of their deed at the time of purchase, but if a deed is lost or needs to be replaced, county clerks can often do so at a much lower price,” he said. “Consumers should read these letters carefully and know they are under no obligation to take action by any artificial deadline.”
Herring said homeowners should know that they are under no obligation to pay these entities or to purchase a copy of their deed.
Copies of the deeds, typically a 2- to 3-page document, are available from some local court clerks for 50 cents per page, plus $2 if a certified copy is desired. Consumers should check with their local court clerk for pricing.
The consumer protection section of the attorney general’s office enforces state and federal consumer protection laws.
For people who believe they have been victims of fraud and another consumer crime, call the Virginia Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 552-9963 or visithttp://www.ag.virginia.gov to fill out an online complaint.
