In case you missed these alerts, read on...

But, surprise. They volunteer to get a copy for you, quickly and with no strings attached -- for between $49.99 and $100, including postage. And, it will. The company finds a homeowner's name and addresses in publicly available real estate transaction records. It then makes a copy and mails it to the owner.

The operation is nationwide, with the hardest hit states thus far being Florida, Illinois and California. And, although it largely targets new homeowners, it's also aimed at older people. So if you live in a retirement community, be particularly alert.

Bottom Line...

When you closed on your property, you should have received a deed. If for some reason you did not, or you can't find the original, contact your county clerks office. Most charge $1 per page plus postage; some slightly more. You'll wind up getting one for less than $10!

Caution... Whenever you receive a pitch from an unknown source:

(1) Check with your Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org/).

(2) Contact your state attorney general's office or your state consumer protection agency. If you have difficulty locating them in your telephone blue pages, go to the Federal Citizen Information Center at: www.consumeraction.gov/state.shtml. You'll also find directions for how to file a complaint as well as sample complaint letters on this Web site.