WALTEMATH LAW OFFICE

Senior Scams

I have had clients bring in letters from companies that offer to sell them a copy of the deed for their home for $89.00.  These letters look very official.  Multiple businesses send these letters, including Property Transfer Services, Record Transfer Services, Conveyance Transfer Services, Record Retrieval Department, and National Deed Service.  I have found that this offer letter is sent after a transfer of ownership occurs or a new deed is recorded with the County Clerk & Recorder.  The Daily Camera reported on February 15, 2017.  These letters are not fraudulent, but they are misleading.

You may obtain a copy of any deed affecting your Colorado real property at any time from the Clerk & Recorder's office in the county where your real property is located.  The cost is approximately $.25/page.  If you do not appear in person there may be additional fees for postage and copies.  When you purchased your home, you received a deed at closing.  That deed is recorded with the County Clerk & Recorder by the title company used for the closing.  You do not need an additional deed.  The deed is a public document and available to anyone from the County Clerk & Recorder's office.

What can you do about this type of solicitation?

1.         Ignore the letter.

2.         File a complaint with your local district attorney's office, or community protection division, either over the phone or online.

• Boulder (303) 441-3700
• Denver (720) 913-9179
• Jefferson (303) 271-6931
• Adams (303) 659-7720

There are many other people trying to take advantage of seniors, please do not fall for these scams:

• A grandchild calling to ask you to wire them money because they are in trouble.
• The IRS calling to say you owe back taxes.
• The sheriff’s department calling to say you missed jury duty and owe a fine.
• You paid for someone to fix your computer and they need access to it.