Kane County fights mortgage schemes

The increasingly common crime of mortgage fraud and related schemes have prompted Kane County officials to step up communication with homeowners.

Recorder of Deeds Sandy Wegman recently announced the start of two programs to combat schemes that not only could cost residents their money, but also their homes.

In one scam, she said, property titles are transferred to another name in a quitclaim deed through identity theft without the legitimate owner's knowledge.

In another, homeowners are charged $79.50 for deed information that is available from the county at little or no cost, officials said.

The recorder's office is addressing the former by mailing notices to residents when property ownership names are changed through a quitclaim deed. It also is warning residents to be leery of mailings trying to sell certified copies of deeds.

Wegman said residents can print out their own deeds for free at www.kanecounty recorder.net. Her office also sells certified copies for $25 and uncertified copies for $1 a page.

For more information, call (630) 232-5935.