If you look at any other County Registry of Deeds in NH they all have a Property Fraud Alert Statement. But any of the Registry of Deeds Records are public and open to anyone to see. That is just the way it is...Nothing to Hide.
In Carroll County they are behind the times, yes, but there has to be more to it than meets the eye after all this time with the increase in apps, internet use etc. JMHO
This is from Belknap County.
Preventing mortgage fraud and identity theft is a top priority of your Belknap County Registry of Deeds office. The Register's office has made a conscious effort to be on the look out for documents that may involve deed or mortgage related fraud. For your protection, consider subscribing to our "FREE" Property Fraud Alert website for real-time monitoring and notification of any potential fraudulent activity of interest to you. Your security does matter!!!!
BE INFORMED! - BE PROTECTED!!
Unfortunately, it's all too easy for a criminal to record a fraudulent deed making it appear as if they now own your home.
Once they've done this, they can use your name as collateral on a mortgage or even attempt to sell your home to an unsuspecting buyer.
Don't let this happen to you!
To sign up for this free service, go to:
http://www.propertyfraudalert.com/belknapnh/Disclaimer.aspx and check the box that states "I agree to the terms stated above" to begin registration. The service will notify you if a document is recorded with your name and you will be given the option to be notified by "Email" or by "Phone". If you have any questions regarding this or are having trouble signing up, please call 1-800-728-3858 for assistance.
Also on the Belknap Registry Home Page is this:
CONSUMER ALERT
Attorney General Michael A. Delaney issued the following consumer alert to all New Hampshire property owners:
Consumers should be aware of mailings being sent to property owners throughout the state from companies using the names:
SECURED DOCUMENT SERVICES, and
DEED RETRIEVAL SERVICES
The mailings appear to be official government notices recommending, "that all United States [or New Hampshire] homeowners obtain a copy of their current grant deed" and further indicate that, for a fee of $86.00 or $87.00, these companies will provide the property owner with a copy of their Grant Deed and a Property Profile.
The Attorney General advises that these companies are providing a service of questionable value and the information advertised in these solicitations can be obtained from any of the State’s Registers of Deeds for significantly less money. With deeds so easily and inexpensively attainable, the existence of these companies depends greatly on the public’s unfamiliarity with the county registers of deeds offices.
Attorney General Delaney stated, “The real lesson for an educated consumer is to know what you are paying for, which in the case of these deed retrieval companies is virtually nothing more than a homeowner can acquire for far less cost. Don’t be fooled by a company whose name sounds ‘official’ or by an ‘official’ looking notice designed to confuse and mislead you. If you would like a copy of your deed, you can obtain it yourself for nominal cost and time, or contact your county's Register of Deeds, who would be glad to assist you.“
Under New Hampshire’s Consumer Protection Act, N.H. RSA 358-A, it is unlawful for any person to use any unfair or deceptive act or practice in the conduct of any trade or commerce within this state. Anyone who feels they have been the victim of any unfair or deceptive act should call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau hotline at
(603) 271-3641 or 1-888-468-4454. For more information on consumer fraud you can also visit the Bureau’s
website at
www.doj.nh.gov/consumer.