Vernon Town Clerk Offering Fraud Alerts For Land Record Filings

VERNON, CT — The Vernon Town Clerk's Office is now featuring a system to alert resident to new filings that may affect their properties. The email alerts, part of a new record management system recently installed at town hall, is being offered free of charge.

Residents can sign up to receive the email alerts whenever a document, such as a mortgage or deed, is filed
under their names. Residents can view an index of records online. To view a document, residents must visit
the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall.

"This new system allows Vernon residents to help protect themselves from potential fraud," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "Protecting our residents' financial information and interests is a top priority."

A link to sign up to the system can be found by visiting the Town Clerk’s page on the Town website,
www.vernon-ct.gov.

"This system is a tool to help our residents protect what for many is their largest investment — their home,"
Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. "With this new
system, you’ll get an email alert that will give you notice so that you can determine whether the land recording is legitimate."

The system works by name, so if multiple people in a community have the same name, each may receive a
notification. If someone believes a fraudulent document has been filed on their property, they should alert
the Town Clerk and Vernon Police.

Champagne said title theft is not common in Connecticut because doing so is complicated and difficult. Connecticut law requires witnesses along with an acknowledgement by a notary or attorney. The seller’s signature on a deed or mortgage must also be notarized.

"While there are safeguards in place, this service can provide additional peace of mind for property owners," Vernon Town Clerk Karen Daigle said. "My office is committed to maintaining accurate land records, and this new tool can help us further that commitment."