If you have received a piece of mail or email solicitation offering to do research and secure a certified copy of the property deed, it's a scam.

The letters ask for a fee of between $50 and $85. And, they originate from Washington, D.C., making them seem more credible.

If you’ve come across this solicitation, you’re asked to call the Onondaga County Clerk at (315) 435-2227 or simply discard it.