Deed Scam Hits East Meadow

Residents can never be too safe when it comes to the mail.

According to a letter put out by District Clerk Maureen O'Connell, mail scammers are targeting residents in Nassau County.

"These letters claim that 'The U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center recommends that you obtain a certified copy of your deed now,'"' O'Connell wrote.

These mailings are solicitations by private companies offering to purchase a certified copy of their deed for up to $90, O'Connell said.

"This fee is 1700 percent more than the County Clerk's office fee for the same service," O'Connell added.

According to O'Connell's letter to the Council of East Meadow Civic Organizations (CEMCO), the Nassau County Clerk's office records all land transactions, including deeds. Once processed, deeds recorded are returned to the owner or owner's attorney. The office retains the official record of all real property ownership within Nassau County and is able to produce certified copies of recorded deeds upon request for a small fee.

"It's easy to fall for something like this," Legis. Norma Gonsalves, R-East Meadow, said at Wednesday's CEMCO meeting. "People need to be careful with every decision they make."

For more information on how to retain a copy of your deed, please call the office of the County Clerk at 516-571-2664.