A company forwards you this letter which solicits you to buy a copy of your deed. In a twist of words, it appears that you need their service. You submit some monies and within a couple of weeks you get a copy of your deed.
Of course, my grandmother gets a copy of this letter and immediately calls me. Paul, you have to take a look at this paper, it looks like I have to pay these people. For whatever reason, my grandmother is not the only one that falls for this solicitation. I have had numerous clients and family members ask me the same thing.
I personally have received this notice from this company that in a round about way words their solicitation to entice you to get a copy of your deed. Obviously, I toss it along with my other junk mail. Is this a scam? To the extent that this company actually obtains your deed, it may not be a scam. But, let me ask you this, had you not received the letter, would you have thought about trying to get a copy of your deed? Can you trust that this company, which solicited you, will get your deed?
The fact that you have misplaced your original, recorded deed does not mean that someone can steal your house if the deed somehow falls into the wrong hands. The deed is recorded in the county clerk’s office (or register’s office) depending on the county. It is a public record, so you or anyone can obtain a copy of the deed by simply going down to the clerk or register’s office.
You may have a copy of the deed among your personal effects from your closing. I would be skeptical about purchasing a copy of my deed from a company that has solicited me. So, to that end, if your deed is lost, try locating the title company or attorney that closed your file. If a copy is not in their possession, you will be guided to the clerk or register’s office, which is where you should go anyway.