May 17, 2012

COUNTY CLERK WARNS ISLAND PARK RESIDENTS
ABOUT “DEED SCAM”

(Mineola, NY)  Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell is cautioning homeowners about mass mailings continually being sent to local communities claiming “The U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center website recommends that property owners should have an official or certified copy of their deed.”  These letters recently targeted the Island Park area advising homeowners that it is necessary to purchase a certified copy of the deed to their home. 

Homeowners should know that all deeds for property located in Nassau County are recorded and maintained at the County Clerk’s Office and only the Clerk’s Office can issue certified copies of these records, which are legally equivalent to the original.  When the original deed is recorded with the Clerk’s Office, it is returned directly to the owner or their attorney upon processing.  These private companies continue to solicit to purchase a deed on behalf of the homeowner, sometimes for more than 1000% over Clerk’s Office fees. 

County Clerk O’Connell, concerned by these deceptive practices, advocated along with County Clerks throughout the state for the passage of legislation requiring these solicitations to disclose that certified copies of deeds are available directly from the County Clerk for a nominal fee.  However, many homeowners continue to be victimized by these scams.