Cape County recorder's office warns of mail offers for deeds

Cape Girardeau County Recorder Scott R. Clark is warning county residents to be wary of mail offers that promise to provide copies of legal documents.

According to a news release from the recorder's office, the Recorders' Association of Missouri notified recorders about offers to obtain copies of property deeds that charge homeowners an excessive fee. According to the association, companies have been sending letters to property owners in Missouri's most populated counties offering an official, certified copy of their deed for $87 or higher. Companies then contact a local recorder's office to obtain the document and mail it to the homeowner while charging them a higher fee. Obtaining certified property deeds directly from the Cape Girardeau County recorder's office costs $2 for the first page and $1 for every page thereafter, plus $1 for the certification. Most property deeds are no more than one or two pages long.

"This was brought to my attention by a Cape Girardeau County resident; it concerns me that companies are trying to take advantage of our residents by not being truthful. If anyone receives one of these letters, I would urge them to ignore it or contact our office," said Clark in the release.

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO