The Callaway County recorder of deeds is warning residents to be wary of any letters offering copies of property deeds at an excessive price.
Recorder Christine Kleindienst said such letters have already been circulating to residents in other Missouri counties, like Boone and St. Charles, and may soon hit Callaway. The letters - which state they are sent through a company called "Record Retrieval" - offer homeowners the opportunity to obtain copies of their property deeds for $87 or more. Kleindienst said this amount is far more than the actual cost. She said people can receive copies from the county recorder's office for about $1, plus $1 for certification, meaning most property deeds will cost under $5.
"I just hate for somebody to get ripped off (for) $87," Kleindienst said.
According to other county recorders, the scheme is to contact recorders' offices to obtain the official documents and then turn around and charge homeowners higher fees to receive them.