Californians have been receiving mailings from private companies outside the state offering to obtain a copy of grant deeds or property title records for a high fee.
The solicitations offer to obtain a copy of the grant deed for a high fee, which can be up to 20 times more than the actual cost charged by the County Recorder. In Alameda County, Califonria, for example, a copy of a grant deed can be obtained for as low as $3.50.
Consumers are urged to shop wisely before engaging in any real estate related transactions. Homeowners interested in obtaining a copy of the grant deed to their property can go to the county recorder’s website and/or office to see if they can save money by ordering their own grant deeds.
The Real Estate Fraud Unit of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office issued the consumer advisory to Bay Area residents.
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley noted, “This mailer was sent from outside of California, and attempts to charge high fees for a relatively simple process. The Real Estate Fraud Unit of the Alameda County DA’s Office works to ensure the integrity and lawfulness of all real estate solicitations made to homeowners in our community.”
