There is a warning for anyone who owns property: An out-of-state company is sending notices in the mail, urging property owners to buy a certified copy of their property deed.

The problem is that it appears they're charging outrageous amounts.

In some cases, they're charging more than 10 times what it would cost to pick one up on your own.

But that's not the impression some local residents came away with after reading the notice the company sent them.

Almost immediately, Jeanne and Eugene Close knew something was wrong when the letter recently came in the mail.

They had bought their North Huntingdon home two years earlier, and the notice said they needed a certified copy of their deed, which they already had.

"This is not right," said Jeanne Close. "I've got to follow this up and see what's going on, because this is something that some people will believe."

The couple was among first to alert the Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds office, which was soon overwhelmed with complaints and questions.

"Certainly it's not illegal, but I think it smacks of unethical, and I think they're targeting senior citizens especially," said Westmoreland County Recorder Tom Murphy.

The company, National Deed Service Inc., is based in Washington, D.C.,

They provide certified deeds to homeowners and send letters suggesting the government "recommends that property owners have an official or certified copy."

The company is charging about $60.

The letter gives a sense or urgency, writing, "this will be your only notice of services," but it's the cost that has public officials fuming.

"I think it's ridiculous," said Murphy. "You do not need a certified copy of your deed in your home. If you do need a certified copy of your deed, you can come here, and we'll get it for your for $1.50, plus the cost of the copy."

Deed recorders across the country, along with the Better Business Bureau, are now warning residents about National Deed Service.

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