Why aren’t document images available for viewing online?

Simply put – for resident security.  Early on, we determined that many documents that have been recorded and/or filed in the County Recorder ’s office inadvertently, and at times carelessly, contain a resident’s social security number or other personal information.

In conjunction with the logic and prudent responsibility shared by 57 other Ohio County Recorders, in Lake County we chose not to place document images online to safeguard and protect our resident’s personal information.

In addition, many forget to consider the fact that virtually all documents contain signatures.  Stealing signatures can be extremely valuable to one wanting to perpetrate a variety of white collar crimes including check fraud and other forgeries.

While it may be an inconvenience to some, and it is accepted that there are certain people that would benefit from placing such valuable information on line, for the majority of residents doing so could place them at risk.  In our estimation, the risk outweighs the reward. 

As a result, it is our policy to not have document images available online as it eliminates one more place that an identity thief can search to steal one’s personal information.