FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the Property Alert Service?

    The Property Alert Service is a way for property owners or other interested parties to receive alert messages by email when a document is recorded by the Town Clerk's Office in Voluntown, CT and indexed with a specific name. The service matches specific party name data on recorded documents with requests made by subscribers.

  2. Is there a fee for the Property Alert Service?

    No. This is a free service provided by the Voluntown Town Clerk's Office.

  3. Can more than one person register the same party name?

    Yes. There is no limit to the number of subscribers for a particular party name. All subscribers receive a notification if a document is recorded.

  4. Why should I register for this service?

    This service is voluntary for individuals who want to know if fraudulent activity has occurred under their name in the Lincoln, RI land evidence records. In some cases, fraud on real property is not discovered for years; this service helps to notify property owners in a more timely fashion. You may also wish to register the names of elderly loved ones to help protect them from scams.

  5. Does the property need to be occupied in order to receive an alert?

    No. The property alert service is for any type of land owned in Voluntown CT, whether occupied or vacant.

  6. What recorded documents are included for the alert notification?

    Any land records document is included. An alert is sent for any party names that are registered regardless of document type.

  7. How long does it take to be notified through the alert service?

    All recorded documents must go through a verification process before they are available to view through a public records search. This typically takes 5 to 7 business days. An alert is sent once the process is complete.

  8. What if the name or property description is not listed on the fraudulent document?

    Not all recordings require the inclusion of property legal description and/or party name. In these cases, the Property Alert Service does not register the information, and therefore an alert is not sent. An example of this type of recorded document would be a Satisfaction of Lien where only the recorded lien's book and page number is referenced on the satisfaction.

  9. Why can't you stop the fraudulent document from being recorded?

    As long as a document meets statutory recording guidelines, Rhode Island law requires the Town Clerk's Office to record the document. Recordings cannot be refused unless guidelines are not met.

  10. What do I do if the document recorded is fraudulent?

    If you find a document recorded with your name is fraudulent, you should contact your Attorney or law enforcement officials.