John Mason is reporting in the Register-Star authorities are investigating a false deed scheme in several counties in the Capital Region. At least one of the targeted properties is located on 6th Street in Hudson, according to state police. The scam works this way: The perpetrator creates fictitious documents for foreclosed or abandoned properties, naming themselves as trustee. They file those documents with the county clerk’s office and then sell or rent the property, state police said. Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner said the properties in this scheme are typically in foreclosure or belong to people who are deceased. State police investigator Andrew Behrends said most of the alleged frauds of this sort involve property rentals, rather than building sales. However, he said, a property sale was recently attempted in Columbia County. The transaction was unsuccessful because discrepancies were identified by the realtor and the homeowner, who went to the Hudson Police Department. To avoid being victimized by this scam, Behrends advises people to do their due diligence. "If you see something that appears to be too good to be true, it probably is," he said. NOTE: Tanner is an active WGXC programmer. Read the full story in the Register-Star.