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1. What can I do to protect myself from property fraud?

Check the Official Records using the Records Search to see what documents are recorded under your name and sign up for the Carteret County Register of Deeds free Recording Notification Service for automated email alerts when your name or names are added to the Official Records index.

If your property is vacant, check often to make sure it is not occupied illegally.

Ask someone you trust to look after your property if you are away for an extended period of time.

Do not let mail pile up when out of town.

Make sure the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices have the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property.

2. What is the Recording Notification Service (RNS)?

Recording Notification Service is a free service offered by the Carteret County Register of Deeds that alerts citizens via email when a document is recorded in their name.

3. How does the Recording Notification Service work?

On the Recording Notification Service sign up page, you may enter up to ten name variations per email address. When a document is recorded into the Official Records of Carteret County with a name that is being monitored, an email will automatically be sent to the provided email address.

4. What documents will I be notified about through the Recording Notification Service?

The Recording Notification Service alerts you to newly recorded documents only, i.e. documents recorded after you have signed up for the service. To search documents already recorded under your name, click here.

5. How do I edit the names being monitored?

To edit the names you are monitoring, you can select the "Update Subscription" on the Recording Notification Service Page and enter your changes to the listed names.

6. Is my Recording Notification Service registration subject to public records law?

Yes, email addresses and names used in registrations for the Recording Notification Service are subject to public disclosure per North Carolina public records law.

7. Can I unsubscribe from the Recording Notification Service?

Yes, you can unsubscribe at any time by selecting the "Unsubscribe" link on the Recording Notification Service page and entering registered email address.

8. Why do fraudulent documents get recorded?

The Register of Deeds must record all documents that meet the requirements outlined in the North Carolina Statutes. The Register of Deeds has no authority to refuse to record a properly prepared document, even if it may be fraudulent.

9. If a document is proven fraudulent, can it be removed from the Official Records?

No document can be removed from the Official Records without a court order. Therefore, citizens are urged to contact law enforcement and/or an attorney for prompt, appropriate action if fraud is suspected.

10. What should I do if I think I may be the victim of property fraud?

Contact the Carteret County Sheriff's Office at (252) 728-8400 and/or your attorney or legal advisor.

Neither the Register of Deeds, nor Tax Administrator offices can take legal action on your behalf to reverse the fraudulent activity.

11. Does the service alert me of documents being recorded in other counties?

No, the service only alerts subscribers of documents being recorded in the Carteret County Official Records.