(Atlantic) Cass County Recorder Mary Ward of Atlantic is warning the public about a scam circulating the community.
Ward says earlier this week, a County Recorder’s Office assisted a resident with questions about a confusing letter they received, soon identified as a scam and reported to local law enforcement. The letter claimed to be from “County Deed Records” with false information about the recipient’s home warranty expiration date. The letter also contained a “renewal fee voucher” for $199.00, which resembles a check, and requests immediate action to call or be left vulnerable to repair costs.
The Iowa County Recorders Association, in partnership with Iowa Land Records, confirms that this information is not legitimate. Similar illegitimate letters have been found across the country.
Ward says they do not pay, do not call, do not go to the website, and do not return any mail requests.
Iowa Land Records is an easy-to-use online database and electronic submission service allowing users to search and submit real estate documents in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Ward says since 1839, County Recorders have been responsible for maintaining any official property and real estate documents in the state. Recorders created the Iowa Recorders Association to provide additional resources and governance to each Electronic Services System.
For questions, call 712-243-1692.