Beware of "Finders" Targeting Your Surplus Funds
Has someone contacted you about unclaimed money from your foreclosure? Stop and read this first.
Why You Need an Attorney, Not a Finder
Claiming surplus funds requires legal insight:
A proper title search must be conducted
A petition must be filed with the court
Potential competing claims must be addressed
Court hearings must be attended
Legal distribution of funds must be managed
What finders don't tell you: In EVERY case, an attorney must represent you in court to file a claim for surplus funds. The finder who contacts you to "help" typically calls us (or another attorney) to file the claim for them anyway.
Who Are "Finders" and Why Should You Be Cautious?
Surplus funds "finders" are individuals or companies who contact former property owners offering to help recover unclaimed money from foreclosure sales. They typically charge 30-40% of your recovery amount for services you don't actually need.
Here's the truth: You don't need a "finder" to claim your surplus funds. These middlemen simply locate an attorney to handle your case, adding an unnecessary layer of cost that comes directly out of your pocket.
Most Finders Operating in NC Are Not Properly Licensed
The Law is Clear
North Carolina law defines a finder as "an individual or business entity, incorporated or otherwise, who, for fee or any other consideration, seeks to locate, deliver, recover, or assist in the recovery of property that is distributable to the owner or presumed abandoned." (N.C.G.S. § 116B-52(11a))
Important Legal Requirement: Since January 1, 2022, all finders in North Carolina must be licensed as private investigators with the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board (N.C.G.S. General Statute § 116B-78.1).
The Startling Reality: As of January 2024, only six registered property finder entities were legally operating in North Carolina. Many "finders" contacting property owners are operating without proper licensing.
The Hidden Cost of Using a Finder
When you work with a finder, here's what typically happens:
You sign an agreement giving the finder a large percentage (often 30-40%)
The finder locates an attorney to handle your case
You end up paying BOTH the finder's fee AND the attorney's fee
Save 30% by skipping the finder and coming directly to us.
Red Flag Warning Signs
Be cautious if someone:
Contacts you unexpectedly about "unclaimed funds"
Pressures you to sign paperwork quickly
Asks for a large percentage of your money
Can't clearly explain the legal process
Isn't registered as a licensed private investigator
Skip the Middleman: Work Directly with Us
If you've been contacted by a finder, don't sign anything until you speak with us. Our team of skilled surplus funds attorneys can:
Verify if you have a valid claim
Handle the entire legal process
Maximize your recovery amount
Ensure you keep more of YOUR money
We work on contingency - if we don't recover your surplus funds, you pay nothing.
Common Questions About Finders
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A: Finding the funds is the easy part. Court records are public information. The hard part is the legal process to recover the funds, which requires an attorney regardless.
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A: Possibly. Contact us immediately for a review of your situation and options.
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A: Check the NC Treasurer's website for the list of properly registered finders. As of early 2024, only six entities were legally registered.
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A: Finders monitor public foreclosure records and contact former property owners hoping to collect large fees for minimal work.
Protect Your Money - Contact Us Today
Don't lose thousands to unnecessary finder fees. Our attorneys focus on surplus funds recovery and can help you claim your money directly.
Get a free consultation today:
Call us at (919) 647-9599
Fill out our form for a free claim review
No obligation or pressure
We'll analyze your situation and explain your options clearly.