I’d like to warn you about a scam taking place in our area. It involves an offer to obtain copies of documents from the Registry of Deeds.
Here’s what you need to know:
When we file client documents at the Registry of Deeds, an unscrupulous company writes to these clients with an offer to retrieve copies of their documents. They are gracious enough to provide this service for a fee. But here’s the thing: you can contact the registry yourself for free to obtain these very same documents. What is more, the registry returns the original documents we file on a client’s behalf back to us, which we then forward to the client. We don’t charge for this service.
In short, there is absolutely no reason to pay these scammers for providing you with copies of your documents from the Registry of Deeds.
Perhaps you are wondering how an outside company knows we have filed documents at the registry. While I do not know the precise mechanics companies like this employ to operate their nefarious businesses, I assume they simply compile lists of recent filings and then send letters to the homeowner(s) named in the filing. After all, registry documents are a matter of public record and anyone can access them.
If you receive one of these letters, ignore it.
As always, I am here to answer your questions and help you accomplish all of your estate planning goals.
Until next time, take care…