Gaston Register of Deeds says property-fraud letters are legitimate
Free monitoring is available; a paid title lock is optional, and the county says it takes no money from either
MOUNT HOLLY - Letters from the Gaston County Register of Deeds about property-fraud protection are legitimate, Register of Deeds Jonathan Fletcher said in a video notice on the county's YouTube channel. "This letter is legitimate. It is not a scam," Fletcher said. Getting one does not mean fraud has occurred, he said.
The letters describe the county's partnership with EquityProtect, announced in an Oct. 19 county news release. According to the county's Property Fraud page, owners can sign up for free email alerts whenever a document is recorded under a name they choose. The release says owners also get free Enhanced Monitoring, which scans real estate sale and rental sites for suspicious listings of their property.
An optional paid Title Lock service, with discounted setup fees, requires identity verification before a property can be sold or refinanced and carries up to $1 million in insurance, the release says. Fletcher said no one has to buy anything and the county receives no money from either service. The county says it does not endorse or warrant any company, product or service.
Property owners can confirm a letter or ask questions at GastonGov.com/PropertyFraud or by calling the Register of Deeds at 704-862-7680.
Source: Gaston County, Register of Deeds video notice (YouTube); Property Fraud Information page; news release, Oct. 19, 2026.