ITHACA, NY (WSKG) - Residents of Schuyler County have been warned about a possible property deed scam.
Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman has received reports of a company that sells public information to homeowners about their properties.
But, Getman says homeowners need not pay someone to obtain a copy of their deed. It’s returned automatically after a buyer closes on a property. If a copy is needed, it's usually available at the county courthouse for less than five dollars.
"We want the residents of Schuyler County to be aware," Getman said, "that these entities marketing these requests are not related to the county clerk’s office or Schuyler County government in any way. Though the notices often appear to be official notices."
Getman said there are no laws against a company selling public information nor any limits on what they can charge. To be effective, he said, such laws would need to be created by the state legislature.