Don’t fall for high-priced scams: Here’s where to get your property records for free

Some firms are all-too-willing to sell you property records — for a high price — that are already available for free.

Despite a new state law, property owners locally and across the state continue to receive official-looking solicitations in the mail from companies charging $79 or more for records that can be found on your county’s website. If not online, the records can be picked up from the county auditor or recorder for often no more than the cost of printing.

Eric Sears, Greene County recorder, has collected a half-dozen recent solicitation letters from Greene County residents.

Sears said it’s hard to judge how many people are taken by the schemes.

“We don’t hear from the ones that fall for it,” he said. “After they receive it, they might be reluctant to say they paid that fee.”

It’s also a good idea to check your deed occasionally at the county recorder’s office to make sure the property owner is listed properly.

Last week, a local man was indicted on 25 counts in connection of falsely claiming ownership to multiple properties across the area, targeting vacant houses as well as those owned by the elderly — and the dead — authorities and victims say.

Officials say deed and mortgage fraud is on the rise. Some counties, including Montgomery County, offer a free service to keep tabs on vital property records and alert you if documents have been altered.

Here are local counties’ auditor and reporter websites where you can find publicly available property information for free:

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