The scam offers homeowners a certified copy of their deed for $84 to $89
MERCER COUNTY -- The county clerk is warning homeowners about a direct-mail scam that offers to provide them with a certified copy of their deed for as much as $89.
"The fee is excessive since the County Clerk's Office provides this as a public service for a minimal cost," Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello said. "It is regretful that a company would prey upon unknowing, financially overburdened homeowners."
The name of the company listed on the envelope and letterhead is either Local Records Office of Ewing, National Deed Service, Secured Document Company or Conveyance Transfer Services. The letter has a Washington, D.C., return address.
Mercer County homeowners can obtain a certified copy of their recorded deed directly from the clerk's office for the cost of only $1.50 per page and a certification charge of $10.
Sollami Covello said she has worked with local state legislators on creating a bill that would subject companies that do not meet disclosure and registration requirements to criminal penalties.
Complaints regarding the direct mail solicitation can be made to the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs.
Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook.