Records company offer called 'rip-off'
Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Frank Schiefer said an Illinois company's solicitation to sell copies of local property records is a "rip-off."
Schiefer said county residents have received a mailed offer from National Record Service Inc. of Northbrook, Ill., in which the firm said it will provide certified deed records to property owners for $ 59.50. A second copy can be purchased for $ 20.
"I think it's a rip-off. They are charging almost $ 60, and we only charge $ 5 to certify a copy, plus the cost of the copies," Schiefer said. "And if you don't need a certified copy; you can print one out for free."
In its letter, National Record Service Inc. tells prospective customers it is recommended that property owners have an official or certified copy of their deeds. But in small type, the letter advises customers that many records are available for free or at a nominal cost from government agencies.
Company officials did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. A recorded message at the telephone number provided by the company to potential customers includes a disclaimer about the service.
The recording states that the company is not government-affiliated, that deed copies are not an item property owners are required to possess, that the company compiled its mailing list using public records and that deed transfers are public information.
According to the Better Business Bureau, 99 complaints have been filed against National Record Service, which holds an unsatisfactory rating from the bureau.
Information on the bureau's website indicates that consumers claimed they were misled by the solicitations.
Schiefer, along with his office solicitor, Scott Avolio, said the company's services, while not illegal, are not necessary.
"You can pay someone $ 100 to cut your grass, but why would you?" Schiefer said.
More Westmoreland headlines
Read More @ Source Telemarketing Company Phony
Fraudulent Stories Here
Comments
Post a Comment