"Notice of Recording" Scams: What Homeowners Need to Know
If you've recently updated your estate plan, recorded a deed, or made changes to how your property is titled, you may start receiving unsolicited mail or unexpected phone calls that feel official. One of the most common examples involves a letter or caller claiming to represent a "Notice of Recording" or a company with a name like "Home Title Services," demanding a fee, often in the range of $250–$300, for a so-called public record related to your property.
What is this, exactly?
These contacts are a form of fraud that targets homeowners by mining public recording data. When a deed is recorded with a County, that information becomes part of the public record. Scammers use this data to send intimidating-looking invoices or make unsolicited calls to homeowners, hoping they'll pay without questioning it.
How can you spot one?
A few telltale signs that a letter or call like this is not legitimate:
- The name or trust title referenced is formatted incorrectly or awkwardly because the sender is pulling raw data from public records, not your actual legal documents.
- There is a sense of urgency, or vague language about "protecting" you from fraud (ironically).
- The company name sounds official but is unfamiliar, and a quick search turns up little credible information.
- Callers may pressure you for immediate payment or personal information over the phone.
- No legitimate government office or recording agency will charge you a separate fee after a document has already been recorded.
What should you do?
Simply discard the letter or decline the call. For more confidence, you can also contact your attorney’s office to confirm the legitimacy of the request. Never pay a fee or share personal information based solely on an unsolicited letter or phone call without verifying it first.
The bottom line: Scammers follow the public record and when your deed has been updated in the process of creating a thorough estate plan, this type of scam might land in your voicemail box. Knowing what to look for is your best defense.
Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC is Delaware's trusted resource for estate planning, elder law, and estate and trust administration. Serving all of Delaware from offices in Lewes and Seaford, our firm is dedicated exclusively to helping families create comprehensive estate plans, protect assets from long-term care costs, navigate Medicaid and Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits, establish supplemental needs trusts, and administer estates. Our team-based approach ensures every client receives consistent, exceptional service from our award winning attorneys and experienced staff, all women who are passionate about this area of law. Whether you're planning ahead or need immediate assistance with asset protection, our 46 years of combined attorney experience serves Delaware families through in-person and virtual consultations. Learn more at www.pwwlaw.com.