Beware of Deed Scams: How to Avoid Paying Unnecessary Fees for Recorded Deeds
Protect Yourself from Unnecessary Deed Fees and Scams
As estate planning professionals, we prioritize protecting our clients from unnecessary expenses and misleading solicitations. A common issue many homeowners face is receiving official-looking letters urging them to pay for a copy of their recorded property deed. While these notices may appear legitimate, they often charge significantly higher fees for something that can be easily obtained directly from the county at a much lower cost.
Understanding Recorded Deeds
A recorded deed is an official document that proves ownership of a property. When you purchase or refinance a home, this deed is recorded with the county, ensuring that your ownership is legally documented. Homeowners may sometimes need a copy of their deed for various reasons, such as refinancing, estate planning, or property transfers. However, these copies are always available directly from your county recorder’s office for a nominal fee—typically a few dollars.
If our office prepared your estate plan, you should already have a copy of your deed included in your estate planning documents.
Additionally, if your deed was filed in San Francisco County, the county will have automatically mailed you a copy after the recording.
How Deed Scams Work
Scammers and third-party companies take advantage of homeowners by sending letters that mimic official government correspondence. These letters often include urgent language, such as:
• “Immediate response required”
• “Final notice”
• “Pay [amount] to obtain your property deed”
These solicitations mislead homeowners into thinking they must pay to receive their deed, when in reality, they can obtain it directly from the county.
View an example of a Misleading Deed Request Notice.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to unnecessary deed documentation fees, consider these steps:
1. Verify the Source: If you receive a letter requesting payment for a deed copy, check if it is from your official county recorder’s office. Government agencies do not send unsolicited requests demanding payment for these records.
2. Contact Your County Recorder’s Office: If you need a copy of your deed, reach out to your local county office directly. They will provide you with the exact cost and process to obtain it.
3. Consult an Estate Planning Professional: If you are unsure about a notice or have concerns regarding your estate documents, our team at the Law Office of Matthew Triet Vo is here to help. We can verify the legitimacy of requests and guide you on the best steps to take.
Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help
At the Law Office of Matthew Triet Vo, we specialize in estate planning and property law, ensuring that our clients are informed and protected from deceptive practices. If you have questions about your deed or need help identifying whether a notice is legitimate, please contact our office directly.
