01/23/2026
I saw this posted in a Lake Area group and thought it was good information to share. I've copied below:
Having worked in the Camden County Assessor's Office for 25 years. I have seen first-hand numerous landowners who call our office. Or they will come in with legitimate concerns, regarding someone illegally conveying, (stealing), the land that they hold title to.
Taxpayers have stated that they received letters, emails, and phone calls notifying them that they no longer own their Real Estate. A scare tactic that these fraudulent crooks will try. I have had taxpayers in my office crying, scared and perplexed. I literally have driven one very nice older gentleman home, as he was too shaken up to drive. I have had to call other's children, or neighbor to come and get them. They were convinced that they had lost the one thing that they had worked their entire life for. These crooked scam artists usually prey on single individuals, the elderly, people who have no family or friends that they are close to who can help them. But, not one person is excluded from the possibility of this happening to them.
I always explain to the taxpayer(s), do NOT sign anything unless you understand what it is. If they're elderly, they should contact their children, family members, etc. Make certain you are not tricked into signing a document that you find out later was actually your signature as the Grantor on a Warranty Deed that is conveying your Real Estate over to a fraudulent crook.
The Recorder of Deeds offers something called "[Deedwatch.com]
It will notify you as the Deed Holder if any transaction has been recorded having your name listed on the deed. This would include any transaction. Meaning, it is not limited strictly to a conveyance. It could be a Deed of Trust (which is a mortgage), a partial or full lien relase, a Beneficiary Deed, etc. Any and all transactions that includes your name.
Attached is a flyer with the information on this free service. You will go to the website listed in the attached form below to add your name to receive notifications of any activity involving your name. You can call the Recorder of Deeds office for any and all questions in regards to this service offered. Their phone number is: 573.346.4440 extension 1300.
I try to pass on anything that will help the tax payers of Camden County, I feel being transparent and educating the taxpayers of anything that is available to them is the most important thing. This is a great way to feel at ease about protecting the largest investment of your life.
