The Webster County Recorder’s Office on May 1 assisted a resident with questions about a confusing letter they received, which was quickly 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, 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.

In the Webster County incident, the resident came into the Webster County Recorder’s office with questions before taking any action.

If you or someone you know has received a letter claiming to be from the County Deed Records, please do not respond to the letter in any way.

Do not pay.

Do not call.

Do not go to the website.

Do not return any mail requests.

“Scams are everywhere,” Webster County Recorder Lindsay Laufersweiler said. “Thankfully this individual came into the office to research. This mailing was not sent by county recorders. Do your research and ask questions. You’ll be glad you did.”

Since 1839, county recorders are responsible for the maintenance and management of any official property and real estate documents in the state. The Iowa County Recorders Association was created by recorders to provide additional resources and governance to each recorder’s office and supporting staff.

Created and maintained by county recorders and the Electronic Services System, Iowa Land Records is an easy-to-use online database and electronic submission service that allows users to search and submit real estate documents in all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

To find your county recorder, go to https://iowalandrecords.org/recorder-directory/.