Local homeowners have recently received mailings containing false and misleading information, claiming incorrectly that the deed to their property has been transferred, according to Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds Karen Johnson.
“We have heard from homeowners who are alarmed by these mailings,” Johnson said. “The letter they have received falsely states that the recipient’s property has a new owner. Even the official-looking ‘Clerks Property Office’ seal on the mailing is bogus.”
The mailing says a copy of the deed can be obtained if $89 (by check or money order, or by providing credit card information) is sent to a St. Petersburg, Fla. address.
Property and mortgage fraud are among the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, according to law enforcement. But local homeowners can protect themselves and their property by signing up for the Nashville Davidson County Property Alert Program.
“We strongly encourage all property owners in Nashville/Davidson County to sign up for our County Property Alert,” Register Johnson said. “This is the best way to know quickly and officially if any action has been taken on your property.”
Those wishing to sign up for the Property Alert can visit <Nashville.gov/ROD> and click on the Register for Property Alert link under ‘Services.’
Users can sign up to monitor as many names as they wish. When they receive an alert that something has been filed under any of those names, they can call the Register of Deeds Office at 615-862-6790 to speak with a real person or email <rod.infodesk@nashville.gov>. Then users can quickly take steps to avoid damage.
