Register of Deeds - Submitting and Returning Paper Documents Update

Attention Customers:

Effective May 1st, 2026, pursuant to changes to Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 59.43(1c)(g), paper documents submitted to the Waukesha County Register of Deeds in-person or through the mail are required to be presented with either a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope, or an email address for the original document to be recorded and returned.

Paper documents submitted without one of these return methods may be rejected.

We encourage the option of providing an email address as that comes with the benefit of documents being returned instantly after recording.

Documents that are returned via US Mail will be mailed out between 14-21 business days following recording.

If you have any questions, please contact the Recording Division by email at recording@waukeshacounty.gov or phone at 262-548-7585.


Thank you,
Waukesha County Register of Deeds

Property Fraud Information, Resources, and Assistance

Email: wclandrecords@waukeshacounty.gov
Phone: 262-548-7589
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)

Property fraud—such as forged deeds, fraudulent document filings, or scams involving real‑estate transactions—is a growing concern nationwide. Waukesha County provides several tools to help residents protect themselves, stay informed, and know what steps to take if fraud is suspected.

Understanding Property Fraud

Property fraud occurs when someone illegally uses false or forged documents to transfer ownership of property, take out loans, or conduct real estate transactions without the true owner’s knowledge.

Common forms include:

  • Forged deeds or transfers of ownership
  • Fraudulent liens or mortgages
  • Identity theft used in real estate transactions
  • Scams involving rental or property listings

Resources for the Public

1. Waukesha County Register of Deeds – Recording Notification Service (RNS)

A free monitoring service that notifies you if any documents are recorded against your property.
Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/register-of-deeds/recording-notification-service-rns/

2. Tracking Property Fraud Trends & Statistics

These national and state agencies publish data, trends, and research that help the public understand the scope of fraud across the U.S.:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Provides national fraud statistics and annual reports, including real‑estate–related scams.
Website: https://www.ic3.gov

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer Protection Data
Publishes nationwide fraud statistics and scam trends accessible to the public.
Website: https://www.ftc.gov/data
Article: Home title lock insurance? Not a lock at all | Consumer Advice

HUD Office of Inspector General (HUD‑OIG)
Shares investigations and reports related to mortgage and housing‑related fraud.
Website: https://www.hudoig.gov

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Offers consumer protection data, scam alerts, and statewide fraud trends.
Website: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ConsumerProtection.aspx

Local Assistance for Waukesha County Residents

If you believe you may have been the victim of property fraud, the following local resources can help:

1. Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department

Report suspected property fraud or forged documents.
Waukesha County Communications Center
Non‑Emergency Phone: 262-446-5070
Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/sheriff

2. Waukesha County Clerk of Courts

Provides access to recorded documents, court filings, and procedural assistance for fraud‑related legal actions.
Website: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/circuit-courts/clerk-of-circuit-court/

3. Wisconsin Department of Justice – Consumer Protection

Offers complaint filing and assistance for fraud victims.
Consumer Protection Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑7128
Website: https://www.doj.state.wi.us

4. Federal Reporting Options

Many forms of property fraud involve identity theft, online deception, or financial scams. Victims may also report to:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Report fraud: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report identity theft: https://www.identitytheft.gov

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Submit property‑related digital fraud reports.
https://www.ic3.gov

Legal Assistance

State Bar of Wisconsin – Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Helps residents connect with attorneys experienced in real‑estate or fraud cases.
https://www.wisbar.org/forPublic/INeedaLawyer/Pages/i-need-a-lawyer.aspx

Legal Action of Wisconsin
Offers free or reduced‑cost legal services based on eligibility.
https://www.legalaction.org

Protect Yourself from Property Fraud

Residents can reduce risk by:

  • Enrolling in the Waukesha County Register of Deeds Recording Notification Service
  • Regularly reviewing property records
  • Monitoring credit reports for unusual activity
  • Using reputable title companies for real estate transactions
  • Reporting suspicious mail, phone calls, or property related solicitations

Email: wclandrecords@waukeshacounty.gov
Phone: 262-548-7589
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)