Trumbull recorder warns residents of scam in mail

Staff report

WARREN

Trumbull County Recorder Diana Marchese again is warning county residents to be aware of a company sending out mailings offering to provide a copy of their property deed for $89.

The same service is free from the Internet or $5 for a certified copy through the recorder’s office, Marchese said.

A company called Local Records Office of North High Street, Columbus, apparently sent the mailings to individuals who’ve been involved in a recent property transfer, Marchese said.

One mailing provided to The Vindicator contained several warnings stating that the “Local Records Office” is “not associated with any governmental agency.” The mailing adds, “You can obtain a copy of your deed or other record of your title from the county recorder in the county where your property is located.”

The notice says the company “runs powerful online searches” to secure records they send to customers.

When a Washington, D.C., company sent similar notices in July to Trumbull County property owners, The Vindicator contacted a supervisor with the company, who said the service is “a convenience for someone not knowing how to get one from the county or wanting to take several hours doing it.”

Marchese said securing a copy of a deed takes only five minutes at her office on the first floor of the county administration building, 160 High St. NW, across from the Courthouse, beside the Warren YMCA.