Bulletin: SC2019003

Dear Associates:

Stewart has been informed that unannounced changes have been made to the South Carolina courts indexing system (SCCourts.org). According to several abstractors, “restrictors” have been put in place that can significantly limit the number of results that appear when an individual or entity is searched for judgments or pending court cases. It is unclear whether the restriction is purely numerical or is based on some other formula.

In the past, limiting searches by date range has been effective in overcoming limitations placed on searches. Now, even limiting by date range apparently does not overcome the restrictors and a “pop-up” message may be received stating that the search parameters yielded too many results. To add to the confusion, it is unclear if these enhanced restrictors are in place across the board or are just applied at random. According to court indexing personnel, the restrictors have been implemented to thwart “data miners”.

This advisory is being sent to inform our agents that Stewart is aware of the problem and will provide additional information and guidance shortly. In the meantime, continue to address all judgments found by your abstractor.

If you have any questions relating to this or other bulletins, please contact a Stewart Title Guaranty Company underwriter.

For on-line viewing of this and other bulletins, please log onto www.vuwriter.com.