It has gotten to be so common that at every closing the attorneys and title companies are warning home buyers to beware of a very official looking document (it generally looks like a government envelope) arriving in the mail to the new home address just a few days after closing.
The scam works something like this. The letter says:
To receive a certified copy of your deed you must immediately send $85 to the address stated in this letter. You want to protect your investment and make sure you have proof of your purchase.
It sounds very official and real. The amounts may differ depending on the scammer but they are generally from $50-$100. Buyers take the bait and send the money. A few weeks later the home buyer receives a certified copy of their deed, usually right after they have received the original that was recorded at the Register of Deeds office. Now they have two, the original they got when buying the home and the copy that they could have gotten if they needed it for about $3.00 at the Register of Deeds office.
Since a copy is actually sent, this is not illegal but just a scam and takes advantage of unsuspecting home buyers.
This is when they know they were duped. Buyers, please don't fall for this scam. If in doubt, call the closing attorney, title company or your real estate agent to verify the authenticity of the letter before you send them money.
This information is provided by The Real Debbie Reynolds of Clarksville at 931-320-6730.
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