FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the Property Alert Service?

    The Property Alert Service is a way for property owners or other interested parties to receive alert messages by email when a document with specific party name(s) is recorded by the Cape May County Clerk's Office in Cape May County, New Jersey. Alternatively, subscribers may submit parcel data - municipality, tax block and lot for an alert. Be aware that parcel data is not contained in all documents recorded and therefore not captured in the database. The registration of party name(s) is recommended for email alerts. The registration of parcel data is secondary.

  2. Is there a fee for the Property Alert Service?

    No. This is a free service provided by the Cape May County Clerk's Office.

  3. Can more than one person register the same property or party name?

    Yes. There is no limit to the number of subscribers for a particular property legal description or party name. All subscribers receive a notification if a document is recorded.

  4. Why should I register for this service?

    This service is voluntary for individuals who want to know if fraudulent activity has occurred under their name or on property located in Cape May County. In some cases, fraud on real property is not discovered for years; this service helps to notify property owners in a more timely fashion. You may also wish to register the name or parcel data for property of elderly loved ones to help protect them from scams.

  5. Does the property need to be occupied in order to receive an alert?

    No. The property alert service is for any type of land owned in Cape May County, whether occupied or vacant.

  6. What recorded documents are included for the alert notification?

    An alert is sent when any document matching the registered parameters of party name or parcel data.

  7. How long does it take to be notified through the alert service?

    All recorded documents must go through a verification process before they are available to view through a public records search. This typically takes 5 to 7 business days. An alert is sent once the process is complete.

  8. What if the name or property description is not listed on the fraudulent document?

    Not all recordings require the inclusion of property legal description and/or party name. In these cases, the Property Alert Service does not register the information, and therefore an alert is not sent. An example of this type of recorded document would be a Satisfaction of Lien WHERE only the recorded lien's book and page number is referenced on the satisfaction.

  9. Why can't you stop the fraudulent document from being recorded?

    Documents presented which meet recording requirements set by New Jersey law may not be refused. Refer to New Jersey Statutes Title 46. Document recording requirements for most documents are posted to this link Document Recording Requirements | Cape May County, NJ - Official Website (capemaycountynj.gov).

  10. What do I do if the document recorded is fraudulent?

    To Report Suspected Fraud: Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, (609) 465-1135, or the NJ Attorney General's Office, (609) 292-4925.