Tip 39-2012: New Scam for Purchasers - "Deed Processing Notice"

There is a new scam targeting Purchasers of real estate which usually occurs several months after the closing. A questionable organization, which goes by "Secured Document Services", "National Processing Center", etc., with a Washington, D.C. address is sending new purchasers a "Deed Processing Notice". This notice recommends that the property owner needs a copy of their recorded Deed from their respective Clerk's Office. The notice contains data from the local public records about the purchase ("Property Profile"). To make it even easier to scam you, they include a prepaid addressed envelope.

All the homeowner needs to do is pay "Secured Document Services" $85.00 for this fantastic service.

WHAT A RIP OFF!!

First off, the attorney or settlement company performing the closing will usually give the Purchaser a copy of the Deed being recorded. Secondly, the Clerk's Office will usually send the recorded Deed to the homeowner after the Clerk's Office is finished processing the Deed. This will normally occur within one to two months after the closing. (Just ask your settlement attorney to give the Clerk a self addressed stamped envelope to return the actual recorded Deed directly to the homeowner.)

Finally, the Deeds recorded in the Clerk's Office are public records. Anyone can get a copy of any recorded Deed for as little as 50 cents to one dollar per page (usually no more than two or three pages). This is a clever scam. Please warn your clients and we will, too.

Please contact me if you have questions.

William D. Tucker, III
Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C.
Charlottesville, VA (434-973-7474)
Tucker@TGBLaw.com
www.TGBLaw.com