County recorder issues scam warning

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Van Wert County Recorder Kim Hughes has been notified that several Ohio residents have received a letter of solicitation to purchase a copy of their deed.  The company is located in Columbus Ohio and refers to themselves as “Local Records Office”. The mailing is made to appear as if it was from an official government records office.  The company is offering to obtain a copy of the person’s property deed for a fee of $89.

“The wording in the letter implies that you may pay up to $89 for a copy of your deed at the Recorder’s Office, which is very misleading,” Hughes said, noting that copies of a deed can be obtained anytime from the Recorder’s Office at a cost of 25 cents per page.

“A typical deed is two pages and costs 50 cents,” the county recorder added. “Any deed recorded after January 3, 1994, can be viewed and copied for free from the Recorder’s website at www.landaccess.com.”

Hughes added that this is not the first time these types of letters have been circulated.

“Please remember that once your deed is filed with the Recorder’s Office it is a permanent record of your ownership and protects your property rights,” she said. “It makes no difference whether you have a copy or even the original deed in your possession. Your rights of ownership are safe and secure.”

A copy of the letter has been forwarded to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for review. Residents of Van Wert County may contact the Recorder’s Office for further information or assistance by calling 419.238.2558 or emailing recorder@vanwertcounty.org.  The office is located in the Courthouse, Room 206, 121 E. Main St. in Van Wert, and is open Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.