Fake Tax Lien Letters Circulating In Lake County: Clerk's Office

LAKE COUNTY, IL —Officials in Lake County are warning residents about a scam currently being reported by homeowners who received "official-looking" letters notifying them about a lien on their property.

In some cases, the property may have a tax lien but in other cases, that is not the case, according to a news release from the Lake County Clerk's Office.

The letters look like they originated from an official government office, with a stamp from "Lake County Public Judgment Record” in the top corner of the letters, according to the clerk's office news release.

The letters also provide false information and requests for higher charges for documents and services than the clerk's office would charge. For example, the letter may request the resident send in $90 for a copy of their property deed, when that copy is available for $1 in the recording division, according to the news release.

Any resident who receives a letter that does not have the Lake County seal on the envelope or an actual letter from a real government agency, you should take an extra moment to review the small print, which may disclose the letter is actually a “third party referral service," according to a news release.

If you have any doubts about a property-related notice, you can reach out to the recording division of the Lake County Clerk's Office directly at recorder@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-2575.

The clerk's office also suggests residents sign up for property check, which is a free, easy-to-use, 24/7 online service that will alert subscribers via email and text message whenever a document is recorded against their name and property. You can sign up for property check here.