FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Legal Newsline) - Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced a settlement on Monday with a deed providing company to resolve allegations it misled consumers by charging high prices for property deeds.
Barry Isaacson and Illinois Deed Provider Inc., doing business as National Record Service Inc. and National Deed Services Inc., allegedly offered certified copies of deeds to Allen County property owners for $59.50 with an additional copy available for $20. Property deeds, which are typically one to two pages, are public records and can be printed by county recorders for free or at a cost of approximately $1 per page.
Homeowners are not required to have copies of their deeds, even if they are attempting to sell their property.
"Settlements such as this where we are able to return the hard earned money back to consumers are also a great educational tool for the public," Zoeller said. "It is important for consumers to learn from this and to contact their local government office directly if they have any questions about copies of documents or fees related to homeownership."
Under the terms of the agreement, Isaacson and Illinois Deed Provider agreed to pay full restitution to 40 consumers and to not misrepresent its services offered or the nature of its services going forward.
Zoeller settles with deed provider
