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Here are some frequently asked Questions & their Answers
Here are some frequently asked Questions & their Answers
Why did I receive a letter from you?
Our research team found records showing that funds may be owed to someone with your name or address. When we find a potential match, we reach out to inform you so you don’t miss the opportunity to claim it.
We are not a government agency, but we help individuals and businesses recover money that is being held by state or federal unclaimed property programs. If you prefer, you can also verify the claim directly through the official state website.
We are not a government agency, but we help individuals and businesses recover money that is being held by state or federal unclaimed property programs. If you prefer, you can also verify the claim directly through the official state website.
Is American Fund Recovery a government agency?
No. We are a private company. We clearly state that we are not affiliated with any government. We simply help rightful owners navigate the official claim process and paperwork.
What does a third‑party unclaimed funds locator do?
We research government unclaimed property databases, verify ownership, guide you through forms, and track your claim until funds are paid. We are not a government agency — we’re an independent service that makes recovery faster and easier.
How do I know this is not a scam?
You should be cautious when it comes to your personal information. Here’s how you can verify us and the claim:
(1)We’ll provide the exact state agency holding your funds and the reference or claim number (if available). You can independently confirm it on the state’s official unclaimed property website.
(2)We never ask for money upfront. Our fee is success-based and only applies after the state confirms your ownership and pays you.
(3)You can choose to file the claim yourself. We simply offer to handle the process for you. If you’d rather DIY it, we’ll still point you in the right direction.
(4)We are registered as an entity in the state of New Jersey, fully compliant with state regulations, including fee caps and written agreements. Our Business Entity ID is 0451358127
We encourage you to verify everything — transparency is part of how we earn trust.
(1)We’ll provide the exact state agency holding your funds and the reference or claim number (if available). You can independently confirm it on the state’s official unclaimed property website.
(2)We never ask for money upfront. Our fee is success-based and only applies after the state confirms your ownership and pays you.
(3)You can choose to file the claim yourself. We simply offer to handle the process for you. If you’d rather DIY it, we’ll still point you in the right direction.
(4)We are registered as an entity in the state of New Jersey, fully compliant with state regulations, including fee caps and written agreements. Our Business Entity ID is 0451358127
We encourage you to verify everything — transparency is part of how we earn trust.
What documents will I need to provide?
Typically a signed claim form, government-issued photo ID, proof of address or ownership (like a utility bill or bank statement), and for estates or businesses, supporting legal documents (e.g., Letters of Administration or formation documents).
Is it legal?
Absolutely. We operate under the Uniform Unclaimed Property Acts and comply with each state’s statutes.
How do you charge for your services?
Most recoveries use a success-based fee that is clearly stated in your agreement. There are no upfront fees for standard claims. You pay only if we successfully recover your funds. .
Is there a cap on what you can charge?
Yes. Many states cap finder fees (for example, some set a maximum of 10–20%). We always follow applicable state rules and will disclose the specific cap that applies to your claim before you sign. .
Can you help if I live in a different state than yours?
Yes. We work nationally. Each state has its own process, but we handle the research and paperwork regardless of where you live or where the funds are held.
What if my name has changed?
Name changes are common. We help you connect the dots with documents such as marriage certificates, court orders, or prior IDs that match the claim record.
Do you recover foreclosure surplus funds?
Yes. At American Fund Recovery, we specialize in locating and recovering surplus funds left over after foreclosure or sheriff sales. If your property was sold for more than the amount owed to the lender, the extra money—known as surplus funds or excess proceeds—legally belongs to you or your heirs, not the bank or the government. However, these funds are not automatically sent out. They usually remain held by the court or county trust account until a proper claim or motion is filed. Our team handles the entire recovery process—from researching your eligibility to filing the necessary paperwork—with no upfront cost. You only pay if we successfully recover your funds.
How about tax foreclosure surplus?
Yes. In many states—especially New York—when a property is taken and sold at a tax foreclosure auction, the county may collect more money than the taxes owed. That extra amount is called surplus or excess proceeds, and in most cases, it legally belongs to the former property owner or their heirs. However, counties rarely notify people directly, and the surplus often sits unclaimed in treasurer or court accounts for years. Our firm actively researches these cases, verifies ownership eligibility, and helps former owners or family members file the proper claim to recover those funds. Just like with mortgage foreclosure surplus, there are no upfront fees—you only pay if we successfully recover your money.
Will my sensitive information be safe?
Yes. We use secure forms and encrypted storage with strict access controls. We never sell your data. Only information required by the paying agency is collected and shared.
How long does it take to get my money?
Timelines vary by state and claim complexity. Simple claims are often processed in 2–12 weeks once the agency receives a complete package. We keep you updated at every step.
Why hire a locator like you?
While you can claim funds yourself through state portals, our clients choose us for:- Expertise with complex or multi-state claims- Faster and more accurate filing- Professional research & document preparation
What if the owner of the property is deceased?
If the rightful owner has passed away, the unclaimed funds do not disappear. Instead, they usually become part of the person’s estate. Here’s how it works:
States typically require legal documents such as:
The state reviews the paperwork to ensure the funds are paid to the rightful heirs or estate. Our role is to help heirs or estate representatives gather the correct documents and complete the process efficiently.
- Heirs or legal representatives (such as executors, administrators, or next of kin) may be entitled to file the claim.
States typically require legal documents such as:
- A death certificate
- Proof of authority (Letters of Administration, Executor appointment, or Small Estate Affidavit)
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or will, depending on the case)
The state reviews the paperwork to ensure the funds are paid to the rightful heirs or estate. Our role is to help heirs or estate representatives gather the correct documents and complete the process efficiently.
Are you a US based company?
Yes. We are registered in the state of New Jersey as a business entity and serve clients nationwide. Please see the "Contact" page for our office address and phone/email contacts.
Why can’t the state just mail me the check?
State unclaimed property programs hold billions of dollars, but they don’t automatically mail checks because they need to make sure the funds go to the rightful owner. Many records are tied to old addresses, closed accounts, or outdated names, so the state can’t confirm your current contact information without proof.
That’s why they require you to file a claim and submit documentation — like an ID, proof of address, or estate papers. This process protects both you and the state against fraud and ensures the money goes to the right person.
Our job is to make that process easier, faster, and less stressful by researching the record, preparing the paperwork, and tracking the claim until it’s paid.
That’s why they require you to file a claim and submit documentation — like an ID, proof of address, or estate papers. This process protects both you and the state against fraud and ensures the money goes to the right person.
Our job is to make that process easier, faster, and less stressful by researching the record, preparing the paperwork, and tracking the claim until it’s paid.
What databases do you search for unclaimed funds?
We search official government sources only — never private “list sellers.” Some examples include:
-U.S. Treasury (savings bonds, tax refunds)
-FDIC/NCUA (closed bank or credit union accounts)
-Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (retirement funds)
We often cross-check multiple states because people move, marry, start businesses, or change jobs — and unclaimed money doesn’t always stay in one place.
- State unclaimed property databases (every U.S. state has one, usually through the Treasurer or Comptroller’s office)
- Federal sources, such as:
-U.S. Treasury (savings bonds, tax refunds)
-FDIC/NCUA (closed bank or credit union accounts)
-Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (retirement funds)
- County & court records, including estates and sheriff sale overages in some states
- Business-related property such as vendor overpayments, insurance benefits, and utility refunds
We often cross-check multiple states because people move, marry, start businesses, or change jobs — and unclaimed money doesn’t always stay in one place.
Would the unclaimed money ever "expire"?
No. Once funds are turned over to a state’s unclaimed property program, they’re held forever until the rightful owner or heirs claim them. The only rare exceptions are things like certain gift cards or rebates — but standard funds (bank accounts, checks, insurance, etc.) never expire.
Do you work with estates and dissolved businesses?
Yes. We regularly help personal representatives, heirs, and business owners assemble the right documents to prove authority and ownership.
Can I file the claim myself?
Absolutely. All states allow owners to file directly. Many clients ask us to handle it because they’re busy, the paperwork is confusing, or the record needs additional research. The choice is yours.
Can you help me with the paperwork?
Yes. We can either handle the entire claim filing for you or prepare the paperwork so you can submit it yourself. You won’t have to figure it out alone.
Do you offer live support?
Yes. For assistance, you may contact us by phone between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM EST Mon-Fri and between 10AM and 3PM on Saturdays, or email us at any time and we’ll respond promptly.
Have a different question? No worries
Email us: help@americanfundrecovery.com
Phone: +1 (973) 975 0376
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