South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is urging consumers to beware of deed process mailing scams. SC homeowners are receiving official looking letters offering to provide their deed for a fee. The solicitation contains an amount due along with a due date. Many consumers may interpret the letter as a bill or otherwise be inclined to provide the fee for a copy of their deed.
Homeowners beware! Deeds can be obtained from the County Register of Deeds Office online or at the local office, for little or no charge. This advertisement serves as a reminder that consumers should be wary of mass mailer solicitations. Before sending money in response to any unsolicited mailings:
1. Read the document carefully and completely. Do you even need the product or service being offered? For instance, consumers generally do not need a certified copy of their deed. Make sure you read the fine print. While the deed solicitation looks like an official document, the fine print says that it is NOT affiliated with any government agency.
2. Contact SCDCA. Ask if others have reported receiving a similar letter or if there have been any complaints filed against the company.
3. Spread the word. Share your experience with your friends and family to prevent them from paying for something that is free or becoming victims of a scam.