MALONE — Franklin County Clerk Kip Cassavaw is warning Franklin County homeowners to once again be on the lookout for a direct mail scam.

The scam involves a solicitation letter sent to homeowners inviting them to obtain a certified copy of their homeowner’s deed at costs of over $100, according to Cassavaw.

“I want our residents to know that this is a scam, and they should never have to pay for a certified copy through a mailing of this nature,” Cassavaw said. “Deeds are recorded by my staff and then returned to the party who has recorded them.”

In most cases, that party would be the buyer or the attorney representing the new homeowner.

“A certified copy of your deed can be obtained from my office for approximately $5, and residents should know that if their deed was filed in my office, it has been recorded and remains valid whether or not the homeowner has a certified copy of that deed in their possession,” Cassavaw said.

The scam letter advises the recipients that a deed was “recorded by the Franklin County Clerk,” and recommends that property owners should have a certified copy of their deed. The mailing also invites homeowners to order a “certified copy” of their deed by mailing or phoning a form along with payment. Also included is a “Property Assessment Profile,” which can be obtained by looking at the local assessment roll for your town, and is also free Franklin County public information.

Homeowners interested in obtaining a certified copy of their deed in person at the Franklin County Clerk’s Office should visit the Franklin County Clerk’s Recording Office located in the Franklin County Courthouse at 355 West Main St., Malone, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Homeowners who cannot visit the office in person are urged to call 518-481-1681 to speak to a staff member to learn the procedure for ordering a certified copy by mail.

The Franklin County Clerk’s Office records all documents regarding real property transactions in Franklin County.