An increasing number of residents in Delaware County and across the state have reported receiving an official-looking letter in the mail offering to obtain a certified copy of their property deed for $59.50. People can ask for a second copy for $20.

The thing is, the county recorder can provide a certified copy of a deed for $6, leading county recorders to accuse National Deed Service, the Illinois-based company behind the letters, of running a scam.... Cont'd