The Virginia Department of Health is reminding consumers that they should not use third-party services to obtain their vital records, according to local ABC affiliate 13 News Now.
Residents have been complaining to the health department's Office of Vital Records about payments they have made for vital records applications. However, these consumers are ordering the applications through third-party websites, not the health department. The third-party websites are not affiliated with the Office of Vital Records or any state government.
Additionally, these websites are charging unnecessary and inflated fees for the records.
Health officials reiterated that applications for vital records are free. However, there are fees for searches. All payments should go directly to the Office of Vital Records.
"The Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records and the DMV are always available to provide low or no cost resources to all Virginians. Use of an unauthorized, outside entity is costly and completely unnecessary," said N. Normal Oliver, MD, state health commissioner. "When Googling information, please make sure to only use official VDH and DMV websites."