(VERNON, Connecticut) – The Vernon Town Clerk now offers a system to alert property owners to new filings that may affect their property. The email alerts, part of a new record management system recently installed in the Town Clerk’s office, is free.
Residents can sign up to receive the email alerts whenever a document, such as a mortgage or deed, is filed under their name. Residents can view an index of records online. To view a document, residents must visit the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall.
“This new system allows Vernon residents to help protect themselves from potential fraud,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Protecting our residents’ financial information and interests is a top priority.”
A link to sign up to the system can be found by visiting the Town Clerk’s page on the Town website, www.vernon-ct.gov.
“This system is a tool to help our residents protect what for many is their largest investment, their home,” Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “With this new system, you’ll get an email alert that will give you notice so that you can determine whether the land recording is legitimate.”
The system works by name, so if multiple people in a community have the same name, each may receive a notification. If someone believes a fraudulent document has been filed on their property, they should alert the Town Clerk and Vernon Police.
Title theft is not common in Connecticut because doing so is complicated and difficult. Connecticut law requires witnesses along with an acknowledgement by a notary or attorney. The seller’s signature on a deed or mortgage must also be notarized.
“While there are safeguards in place, this service can provide additional peace of mind for property owners,” Vernon Town Clerk Karen Daigle said. “My office is committed to maintaining accurate land records, and this new tool can help us further that commitment.”