Scam warning
Official-Looking Deed Copy Letter
After you buy or refinance a home, you may get a letter that looks like a government notice. It offers a “certified copy” of your deed or a “property profile” for $80 to $100. Your county will give you the same copy for a few dollars, or you probably already have it.
Also called: Deed copy scam, Property record letter, Homestead filing letter
The one thing to remember
Your county recorder's office can give you a copy of your deed for a small fee. You don't need to pay a private company for it.
How it happens
- A letter arrives with an official-looking seal, a “response due” date and a property number.
- It says you should get a certified copy of your deed.
- It asks for a check for $80 to $100.
- In tiny print it says it's not from the government.
Warning signs
- A government-looking letter from a company you don't know.
- A deadline that makes it seem required.
- Small print saying it's not a government agency.
What to do
- Don't send money.
- Call your county recorder or clerk's office if you need a copy of your deed.
- To protect your home against title theft, see our home title theft page.
Last checked: October 31, 2026