Deed company letters prompt warning

The Nevada Attorney General's office is warning Nevada residents that an Illinois company is sending out a letter offering to acquire copies of their deeds for $59.50.

National Deed Service, Inc., Northbrook, Illinois has recently sent letters to Churchill County homeowners regarding property deeds. National Deed Service, Inc. states it will acquire a copy of the homeowner's deed for a payment of $59.50. It also states that, due to the large number of transactions, this would be the only notice of their service.

Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said Nevada homeowners should be aware that property deeds and supporting documents can be obtained from the local county recorder's office where these documents where originally filed for much less than the service being advertised.

Before sending any money to someone offering services related to dealing with government agencies, consumers should always contact the agency named first. There may be little or no cost dealing with the agency directly. In addition, the Better Business Bureau maintains a website, www.bbb.org, which provides information concerning companies doing business around the United States. If a company is not listed with the Better Business Bureau, be careful. In addition, entering the company's name in a Google, Bing or Yahoo search will often reveal information that the company is operating in a fraudulent or dishonest manner. When dealing with a non-local company, it is wise to do your internet search homework first.

While no determination has been made regarding the legitimacy of National Deed Service, Inc., any advertisement that urges quick action raises red flags. Questions regarding this matter can be addressed with the Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at (775) 684-1169.