Greene County warns of property deeds scam

County officials are warning residents to be suspicious of mail offers from Washington, D.C.-based National Deed Service Inc. to obtain copies of property deeds. The service offers a certified copy of a property deed for $59.50 – significantly higher than the average price of a deed obtained directly through the Greene County Recorder’s Office.

For those who want to obtain certified deeds from the recorder’s office, fees are $1 per page, plus $1 for certification, according to a Greene County news release. Most property deeds are one or two pages long. Many property owners receive their original property deed when they purchase property.

The Greene County’s recorder’s office has received numerous inquiries from property owners about the scam. Other large counties in Missouri have seen the offer as well, and the Recorders’ Association of Missouri is reporting the matter to Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon’s office.

Property deeds can be obtained at the Greene County Recorder’s Office at Greene County Courthouse, 940 Boonville, Room 100, or by calling (417) 868-4068.