Blount County officials are urging residents to exercise caution following an influx of misleading letters demanding nearly $100 for copies of property deeds that cost as little as 50 cents at the local courthouse.

The mailings, sent by an out-of-state company out of St. Petersburg, Florida, feature the heading “Clerk’s Property Office,” a government-style seal, and exact parcel numbers pulled from public records. They instruct homeowners to pay $98 or more to obtain copies of documents most already possess.

Register of Deeds Phyllis Crisp noted that while the solicitations are technically legal because a service is being offered, they target vulnerable populations, including elderly residents arriving with pre-written checks. Obtaining a standard copy directly from the Blount County office costs 50 cents per page, or $1.00 per page for certified copies, with free emailed copies also available.

County officials recommend that residents who receive unexpected notices for public records contact the Register of Deeds office prior to sending payment. Homeowners can also utilize the free “My Land Alert” program to monitor property transactions.