How to Verify a Potential Property Recovery

Start with public records

Before responding to any outreach, consider independently checking the relevant county's tax commissioner or clerk of superior court website, or the applicable foreclosure trustee or attorney's records, to see whether a sale occurred and whether excess or surplus funds have been reported.

Confirm who you are dealing with

Look up the company's business registration, ask for the specific reference number or case identifier associated with your matter, and confirm that any request for payment upfront is consistent with how legitimate recovery arrangements are generally structured (see our article on questions to ask a property recovery company).

Take your time

A legitimate opportunity to recover funds will generally still be available after you have taken reasonable time to verify it independently. Pressure to act immediately, without time to verify, is a general reason for caution.