At Kaiser Law Group, we want to make you aware of a growing trend of misleading solicitations that target California residents. These solicitations often look like official government correspondence, but they’re actually deceptive marketing efforts by private companies trying to sell you public records or unnecessary services.
What Do These Solicitations Look Like?
These deceptive mailers often contain official-looking elements (see sample below), such as:
- A government-like seal or logo.
- References to the California Secretary of State, county recorder, or other agencies.
- Phrases like “Compliance Required” or “Respond Immediately” to create a sense of urgency.
- Instructions to pay fees, often ranging from $75 to $150, to obtain copies of documents like property deeds or corporate filings.
Here’s an example:
A client of ours recently received a letter labeled “Property Records Request” from an organization with a name resembling an official agency. The letter warned the client about a “recording deadline” and instructed them to send $89.50 for a copy of their deed. However, deeds are public records and can be obtained directly from the county recorder’s office for a much lower fee, typically around $10.
What Should You Do if You Receive a Misleading Solicitation?
If you receive a questionable letter, reach out to us! We’re here to help and are happy to look at a copy of the notice and let you know if it’s legitimate.