When a property is sold at a government tax sale or foreclosure auction for more than the amount of taxes or debt owed, the extra money is called "surplus funds" (or excess proceeds). By law, this money belongs to the former owner or legal heirs—not the government or the bank.
We audit public records from county treasurers and tax collectors nationwide. When we identify a case where funds are being held, we use specialized research tools to locate the rightful owner and notify them before the legal deadline to claim the funds expires.
It is not a scam, but it is a "hidden" right. Most government agencies are only required to send a single notice to your last known address (the property that was sold). Since most owners have already moved, they never receive the letter. If the money goes unclaimed for a certain period (usually 1–3 years), the government may keep it permanently—a process called "escheatment."
We work on a 100% contingency basis. This means:
Zero Upfront Fees: You never pay us a dime out of your pocket.
Zero Risk: We cover all costs for research, legal filings, and notary fees.
We Only Get Paid if You Do: If we don't successfully recover your funds, you owe us nothing. Our fee is a pre-agreed percentage deducted only from the check the county issues.
Yes, you can. However, the process is often buried in complex bureaucracy. It requires deep-dive lien scrubbing (to ensure no other banks have a claim), specific legal forms, and strict adherence to county deadlines. Most people hire us because we handle the paperwork, navigate the "red tape," and ensure the claim isn't rejected on a technicality.
Once we file the paperwork, it typically takes the county 60 to 120 days to process the claim and issue the funds, depending on the specific jurisdiction's workload.
Still have questions? Email us at info@platinumrecoveryteam.com