Beaufort Homeowners: Protect Yourself from Property Fraud!
Hey there, Beaufort! We’ve got some important news for all the homeowners out there. Are you aware that your very own Beaufort County Register of Deeds provides a service designed just for you? That’s right! It’s a free property alert system that can help you keep an eye on your home and ward off potential fraud. Sounds pretty handy, doesn’t it?
What’s the Deal with Fraud Alerts?
So, you might be wondering, “What’s this all about?” Well, Patsye Greene, our diligent Register of Deeds, has recently drawn attention to a growing concern: fraud! She’s noticed an influx of advertisements encouraging homeowners to pay for services that can be easily accessed free of charge through the county. “I have seen recent advertisements that are encouraging people to pay for a service they can get for free through the county,” Greene stated. Isn’t that a breath of fresh air? No need to shell out your hard-earned cash when you can get the same service for free!
The property alert service immediately shoots you an email every time a document that affects your name or your property’s ID is recorded with the Register of Deeds. Talk about peace of mind! It’s an excellent way to stay informed about anything that’s happening with your property.
A Heads-Up for Homeowners
Let’s be real, folks. No one wants to think about fraud—especially when it comes to something as big as your home. But the unfortunate truth is that property fraud is something that can happen, and many people don’t realize it until they’re trying to sell. This is where Greene’s office steps in. While these alerts cannot stop fraud outright, they sure can give you an early warning. Greene emphasizes the importance of being notified right away if someone is trying to pull a fast one on you. This way, you can take steps to protect yourself.
When to Make that Call
If you do suspect that something odd is going down with your property, Greene wants you to be proactive. Don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement. Depending on where you live in Beaufort County, you might reach out to one of several departments. Here’s a handy list for you:
- Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office: (843) 255-3200 — 2001 Duke St, Beaufort
- City of Beaufort Police Department: (843) 322-7900 — 1901 Boundary Street, Suite 102, Beaufort
- Town of Port Royal Police Department: (843) 986-2220 — 1748 Paris Ave, Port Royal
- Town of Bluffton Police: (843) 706-4550 — 101 Progressive St, Bluffton
Greene stresses that it’s crucial for property owners to remain vigilant. With more than 70,000 documents recorded each year at the Beaufort County Register of Deeds Office, being proactive about your property is more important than ever. Remember, the only time documents can be refused is when the legal guidelines aren’t met, so it’s best to keep yourself informed.
Getting Started
Ready to sign up for this fabulous service? It’s easy! Simply go to the Beaufort County Register of Deeds website and follow the links to register. It’s completely free, folks! Can you believe it? Plus, it’s completely worth it to protect your most valuable asset.
So there you have it, Beaufort! A simple way to safeguard your home without spending a dime. Stay alert, stay informed, and make sure your piece of Beaufort is safe!
For further information, don’t hesitate to give the Beaufort County Register of Deeds a call at 843-255-2555. They’re there to help you!
