Scott Lunsford, Escambia County Tax Collector, warns residents about a current solicitation being sent to homeowners. A private corporation is soliciting services from homeowners by offering to obtain a copy of the homeowner’s “current grant deed and property assessment profile” for a fee. The solicitation looks official but is a private service that is not needed.
“Within the past several years, there have been companies participating in these mailings trying to obtain this exorbitant amount of money for something that a homeowner can obtain for free or at a substantially less cost,” Lunsford said. “Property owners should be aware that anyone can easily view and print a copy of his or her deed for free on the Escambia County Clerk of Court’s website (www.escambiaclerk.com) and paying private companies is not required.”
These notices are being sent to recent homebuyers or people who recently have refinanced.
“I am especially concerned with our elderly population being scared by this notice and sending money for something that is not necessary,” Lunsford continued. “Although the mailing does contain wording that the company is not associated with any governmental agency and is a solicitation and not a bill, I have received calls from citizens who think my office sent this to them and that they are required to respond.”
The Clerk’s Official Records online search also gives the public access to mortgage documents, liens, marriage licenses, court judgments, and more. Homeowners may also request printed copies of official records from the website or at the Clerk’s office. Citizens can contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office at (850) 595-4146 for more information.
For more information on tax collector services, visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com. “Like” the Escambia County Tax Collector on Facebook at Facebook.com/ECTaxCollector and follow us on Twitter @EscambiaTC.
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