Porter County Recorder Linda Trinkler warns the public about a scam reported in Porter County and elsewhere in Indiana in which a company is offering copies of deeds for a fee of $59.50.

Trinkler notes that copies of deeds can already be obtained for far less by writing, phoning or coming into the county recorder’s office. The fee per page is $1, and practically all deeds are just one page long. For an additional fee of $5, the recorder’s office can certify that the deed is a copy of the original that was presented for recording.

There is no charge for Porter County senior citizens to receive a copy of their deed upon request.

Trinkler said the scheme that’s been reported involves a company named “National Deed Service Inc.,” which has sent letters to Porter County residents in which it offers to provide a copy of one’s certified deed for a fee of $59.50. The mailing includes a self-addressed, stamped envelope seeking a return of payment through cash, check or credit card.

Trinkler notes that the law prevents the public from being denied access to public records, which can make it easy for people “to come up with schemes to try and rob people of their monies.”

The Porter County Recorder’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is located in the County Administration Center, Valparaiso. The phone number is 465-3465 or 465-3466.

Posted 11/27/2009