If you own real property in Arizona do not fall for the “you need to get a copy of your deed” rip off.  Companies send real property owners official looking letters that contain language intended to convince the reader that it is important to have a copy of their deed.  One of the letters says:

“The U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center website recommends that property owners should have an official or certified copy of their deed. If you don’t already have this important document, you may obtain one now. This document provides evidence that your property was transferred to you.”

Each letter offers to send you a copy of your deed for a price 2 – 5 times the cost of purchasing the deed directly from the county recorder.

If you get one of these letters throw it in the trash.  If you own real estate you would have gotten the original deed when you acquired the real estate.  If you need a copy of your deed you can get a copy at no cost from the county recorder’s website or from the county recorder’s office for a nominal fee if the county does not have its documents available on the internet.  To get a copy of a deed from the Maricopa County Recorder, go to the recorder’s excellent website.

Three companies that send out these letters are:

  • First Documents
  • Local Records Office
  • National Record Service Inc.