County clerk warns of company offering to retrieve copies of deeds

POUGHKEEPSIE -- Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall is urging all county residents to be very aware of a Brooklyn based land record company that has recently mailed letters to county residents informing them, that for a fee of $85 and $4.95 for postage, the company can retrieve a certified copy of their deed and mail it back to them. On their webpage, the company states that they will obtain a copy of the deed from the County Clerk’s office. The company is titled NY Certified Deed Service.
     “This is nothing more than an opportunity and quick way to make money off the hardworking residents of Dutchess County,” said Kendell. “There is no reason a Dutchess County resident would need to reach out to a third party to obtain a certified copy of their deed from my office.” Said his office routinely provides certified copies of deeds for $6, or $11 if the request is made through the mail.
     Kendall also said the company charges $200 for a certified copy of a mortgage. The County Clerk’s office charges 65 cents per page for those who come into the office and personally request a copy, or $11 for a request made through the mail.
     Dutchess isn’t the only area where the mailing has gone. At least one resident of Orange County has received a similar solicitation.

6-22-08 Mid-Hudson News