Deed Scam Alert: Misleading Letters After Your Signing
We've been seeing a sharp increase in misleading letters sent to property owners after their documents are recorded. These letters can look official and may reference your real property and recording information — but they are not from us, your attorney, or any government agency.
They often request payment for "title monitoring," a copy of your deed, or imply that additional fees are due. No additional payment is needed.
How the scam works
Property recordings are public information. Scammers pull that data from county records and send official-looking mailers within days or weeks of your signing, demanding a fee for services you don't need.
- 1
You sign and record
Your deed or other document is recorded with your county — a normal, public step.
- 2
Scammers scrape the data
Third-party companies pull your name, address, and recording details from public records.
- 3
An official-looking mailer arrives
Within weeks, you receive a letter that mimics a government or title notice.
- 4
They demand a fee
It asks for $200–$300+ for 'title monitoring' or a copy of a deed you already own.
Red flags to watch for
Most of these letters share the same telltale traits. If a piece of mail referencing your property checks even a few of these boxes, treat it as a scam — not a bill.
- Looks like an invoice or government notice, but the fine print says it isn't
- References your real property address, parcel number, or recording number
- Demands a "service fee" — typically $200 to $300 — for "title monitoring"
- Includes a short response deadline to create urgency
- Disclaims any affiliation with a government agency in small print
- Requests payment by mail, phone, or an unfamiliar online portal
- Offers services you don't need — your attorney and county already have your records
If you receive one of these letters
Take a breath — you don't need to act on the deadline printed on the mailer. Work through this checklist instead.
Don't pay
These mailers are scams. You are under no legal obligation to respond.
Contact us if it relates to a signing we handled
If we notarized your documents, reach out before responding. We'll confirm whether anything is actually required.
Check with your attorney
Your attorney already has a copy of your documents and can confirm nothing further is owed.
Request a copy of your deed
We can provide a copy, or you can obtain one directly from your county recorder's office — often free or low cost.
Use your county's free property alert program
Many counties offer free property fraud alert programs that notify you of any new recordings.
Report suspicious mail
Report to your state Attorney General and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov so others can be warned.
Questions? We're here to help.
If you receive something you're unsure about, please reach out to us before responding. We'll help you confirm whether it's legitimate.
This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Last updated May 2026.