CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (March 2, 2026) – As property fraud schemes grow more complex, the Carteret County Register of Deeds is reminding residents of the Recording Notification Service (RNS), a free tool designed to safeguard property records.

RNS provides property owners with instant email updates whenever a document is recorded in their name. By delivering details like recording dates and instrument numbers directly to an owner's inbox, the service ensures that no activity goes unnoticed. This proactive measure allows residents to monitor activity on their property records and flag suspicious recordings.

“Fraudulent activity surrounding property ownership is becoming increasingly sophisticated,” said Karen Hardesty, Carteret County Register of Deeds. “This service provides individuals with the tools to monitor their property records and safeguard their investments.”

The service is free and allows residents to register up to 10 names per email address. To ensure maximum protection, officials recommend residents register variations of their names, including middle initials, as well as any business or trust names they may use. Once registered at the Register of Deeds website, property owners receive an email notification each time a document is recorded in their name.        

While the RNS helps inform the public about potentially fraudulent activity, Hardesty noted that the service does not give the Register of Deeds Office the authority to remove recorded documents. Its primary purpose is to notify property owners so they can take legal action if necessary.

Residents can stay vigilant by visiting the "Recording Notification Service" section under the Register of Deeds page at www.carteretcountync.gov. 

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