Beware of Property Deed Scam (video)
(Oakland County Press Release, May 3, 2014)

Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, wants homeowners to beware of a property deed scam taking place around the country, including here in Oakland County. The con involves out-of-state or third party companies sending homeowners offers to sell them copies of the deed to their home for prices usually between $50 and $100. These offers are made to appear as though they are sent from an official government entity and that the homeowners are required by the government to possess the documents.
What these third party solicitations often fail to mention is that individuals can obtain property records from their county government for a nominal fee. The companies that do provide this information usually keep it hidden in the fine print or in a disclaimer. The Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds provides records for $1 per page. Property deeds are typically 1-2 pages. You can also access property records online at www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/.
Because there is currently no law against these companies selling you your information or a limit on what they can charge, Brown says the best way to protect yourself is to stay vigilant and informed. If you receive anything that seems questionable, immediately contact the Deeds Department at the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds or come into the office located at 1200 N. Telegraph, Building 12 East in Pontiac, Michigan.
http://www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/rod/Pages/deed_scam.aspx
See previous scam-related stories:
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/04/25/sheriffs-dept-warns-of-jury-duty-fine-phone-scam/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/03/13/savvy-senior-avoids-getting-tricked-by-scam/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/08/05/beware-of-125-corporation-filing-scam/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2013/07/08/beware-of-online-ticket-purchasing-scams/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2012/07/02/beware-of-text-message-scammers/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2012/06/05/beware-of-water-dept-scam/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2012/02/19/police-report-businesses-beware-of-fire-inspection-scam/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/04/11/william-riley-teaches-seniors-to-avoid-crime-video/
 
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/04/11/william-riley-teaches-seniors-to-avoid-crime-video/