Watch out for scam regarding deeds

In response to calls I've received from Lake County residents, as Recorder of Deeds, I would like to emphasize the importance of being cautious when contacted by companies claiming they have a great deal for you. The true purpose of these contacts, whether by phone, mail or the Internet is to get you to spend your hard-earned money for their private interest. Rarely is it a good deal for the customer.

I would particularly like to single out current solicitations from Mr. Barry Joel, President of Illinois Deed Providers Incorporated. Claiming to work out of Northbrook, this company is contacting Lake County homeowners in an effort to provide you with a certified copy of the deed to your home for a mere payment of $99 plus $4.50 for postage and handling.

There may come a time when you need to reference the deed to your home. As often happens, people misplace their deeds or in some instances, never actually received the original deed at the time they purchased their home. The average deed is four pages or less, with a copy fee of $1 per page. For your protection, all requests for copies should be handled directly through the Recorder's office. As you can see, the above-mentioned company is roughly making a $95 profit on every request they handle. Let's put them out of business! Please do not respond to this scam.

As the keeper of the property records for all of Lake County, I do not want to see anyone needlessly harmed by these deceptive offers. I would encourage anyone with a question, concern or need for a copy to contact my office directly at (847) 377-2575. We will be happy to send you whatever paperwork you need, at the statutory cost, without any handling or postage fees.

Mary Ellen Vanderventer

Lake County Recorder