Attorney General Morrisey Warns Homeowners to Be Cautious of Letters That Urge Them to Buy Copies of Their Home Deed

CHARLESTON – October 16, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning West Virginia residents to be cautious of companies offering to sell them a copy of the deed to their home.

Homeowners throughout the state have been receiving official looking letters, which are titled as a “Deed Processing Notice,” that offer to sell homeowners a copy of their deed for $83. The letters include language that may result in the homeowner believing he or she must comply by a specific date.

Morrisey said homeowners should know that they are not obligated to pay these entities or to purchase a copy of their deed.

“These letters are not being sent by the county, nor are they official,” Morrisey said. “Most homeowners receive a copy of the deed to their property during the closing process when they purchased their home. If they no longer have their deed or cannot find it, they can contact their local county courthouse and get a copy of their deed from the county clerk, often at a much lower price that what this company is offering.

“I do not want residents to mistakenly believe they must purchase a deed by a fake due date,” Morrisey added.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or have a consumer complaint, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-368-8808.

Contact: Beth Ryan
Phone: (304) 558-2021