SCAM ALERT: Homeowners Beware ‘Document Fee’
By Bobby Freeman // February 25, 2014
Fake companies soliciting homeowners
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Anyone who purchased a home could get an official looking letter asking you to pay for a copy of your deed. Beware, this is a scam.
Fake companies are reportedly soliciting homeowners with a formal-looking letter that resembles a government bill. These companies are using multiple business names such as: Record Transfer Services, Property Transfer Services, Conveyance Transfer Services, Record Retrieval Department and National Deed Service.
In a recent case, new home owners were asked to pay a $83 “document fee” for a Warranty Deed and “Real Property Records” by a certain deadline.
“You will get your original deed back after closing, however, you can also get a copy online from your local county public records or by contacting the title company that closed your transaction,” said Tiffany Fortenberry, co-owner of Prestige Title of Brevard in Melbourne, Fla.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bobby Freeman, a life-time resident of Brevard County, has been a top Realtor in the area for two decades. In his first year as an agent, Freeman received a Rising Star award from his Brokers. Since then he has achieved numerous sales awards and has recently been presented with the prestigious RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award.
Freeman, Jennifer McCoy and Nikki McCoy Freeman are family partners for RE/MAX Elite’s McCoy-Freeman Group. Together they have more than 30 years of extensive experience in all aspects of the real estate industry and have sold over $200 million.
Among McCoy-Freeman Group’s achievement are RE/MAX Hall of Fame, RE/MAX 100% Club, Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and voted Best Realtor in Brevard County.
The group has been featured in many news publications including CNN Money Magazine, CNNMoney.com, WFTV 9 ABC News, Coastal Condo Living, & Hot Retirement Towns Magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com.
For more information log on to BrevardRealtyConnection.
