Deceptive letter shows up in mailboxes

LITTLE COMPTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Attorney General is warning about a letter that is showing up in local mailboxes.

It appears to be offering an important service, but it's asking for a lot of money, for something that normally costs very little.

If homeowners need a copy of their property deed, it can be obtained for just a few dollars from the city or town clerk. But, some companies are trying to take advantage of Rhode Islanders by charging more than $80 for those documents.

"It's sad because it's taking advantage of gullible people, innocent people. people who don't know better," said Richard Goldstein, President of the RI Town and City Clerks Association.

Goldstein said companies are sending letters requesting big fees to unsuspecting homeowners, in exchange for copies of their property deeds.

"The thing people need to know is they can walk into the city clerk's office in the town where their property is, and get a copy of that deed for $1.50 per page," he said. "Considering that the average deed is two to three pages, they can get it for less than five dollars."

Eyewitness News obtained a copy of a deed processing notice that was sent to a homeowner in Warwick. It asked for an $83 processing. While it looked official, the fine print said "This product or service has not been approved, or endorsed by an government agency."

"I'm not saying it's illegal. I'm saying it's unnecessary."

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin agreed, also warning homeowners to beware of these so-called deed and property profile notices.

"Especially at this time of year when finances are tight for many families, we do not want new homeowners to fall victim to deceptive marketing," said Kilmartin in a statement to Eyewitness News.

Several attempts by Eyewitness News were made to reach the company that send the deed processing notice, but no one answered the phone calls.