Carson City District Attorney Neil A. Rombardo and Assistant District Attorney Mark J. Krueger of the Criminal Division, warn of a potentially misleading solicitation for land deed processing from Property Transfer Services.
The District Attorney’s Office received information from local attorneys that Property Transfer Services has been sending solicitations to new property owners in and around Carson City recommending “all Nevada homeowners obtain a copy of their current Grant deed as evidence that the title to the property was in fact transferred to the new owner.”
According to a news release, although the documents contain a disclosure that indicates “this service is not associated with any governmental agency.” The solicitation appears to be an official notice and implies that the document fees are no more costly than the Clerk Recorder’s Office. However, their document fee is substantially higher, as much as $83 compared to $4, than the Carson City Clerk Recorder’s fees.
District Attorney Rombardo encourages Carson City residents to contact the Clerk Recorder’s Office with any questions regarding processing property deeds or should they wish to obtain a copy of their deed. He also reminds them that a copy of their Grant Deed is available for free through the Clerk Recorder’s webpage or at the Clerk’s Office for a nominal cost.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Krueger offers the following tips to avoid falling for such solicitations:
Most deed information is available for free online, or for a nominal fee at the County or City Clerk Recorder’s Office in the County or City the property is located in;
If a document is stamped as “not being associated with any governmental agency” inquire into whether there is a government entity which provides the same or similar service, contact that entity and compare the fees and costs;
Determine if you need the service being offered;
If something appears suspicious make inquiries;
Contact the Clerk Recorder’s Office where the property is located to ask questions;
Research the entity sending the documentation to you;
Call the BBB or Chamber of Commerce to inquire about complaints against the service provider;
Ask an attorney, family member, or trusted friend to look at the documents.
It is important to note that the Secretary of State’s website does not show that “Property Transfer Services” is registered in Nevada.
