Beware of mail offer to purchase copy of deed to home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Do not be fooled by an official-looking letter that may hit your mail box urging you to purchase the deed to your home. 

County officials everywhere are issuing this warning. The letter comes in the mail as a deed processing notice, asking for $84 for a copy of your home's deed. Several different companies now offer these deed services, usually with one thing in common -- a Washington, D.C. address. The address makes it appear important and mandatory.

"It looks so official that people, I’m afraid, are sending money into this company and paying money for something they can get for just a nominal amount," said Dusty Rhodes, a county official in Ohio. 

Anytime you receive a letter that asks you to pay for something, you should look closely at the address. County officials say you do not need a copy of the deed to your home, but if you want or need one, homeowners can get one at their local courthouse for just a few dollars.

Call For Action checked with the Jackson county Recorder of Deeds office.  A copy of your home's deed will cost $2 for the first page, plus $1 for each additional page. The deed is usually only two or three pages. They charge an extra dollar to certify the document. The total cost to the homeowner may only run $5.