Residents Warned About Deed Scam

Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell wants to caution homeowners about mass mailings continually being sent out 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 targeting the Syosset and Plainview areas urge homeowners that it is necessary to purchase a certified copy of the deed to their home. The County Clerk has received reports from Plainview and Syosset residents that they have been victims of the scam.

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. At the time of recording, the original deed is returned directly to the owner or their attorney upon processing. These private companies continue to solicit the purchase of 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.

County Clerk O’Connell reminds residents it is not necessary to retain a service to get a copy of your deed. Certified copies of deeds can always be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office for $5 to $10.  Anyone wishing to request a certified copy of their deed can contact Clerk O’Connell’s office at 516-571-2664 for further information.